GRAND ISLE, La. — Families are still living in trailers or with family a year-and-a-half after Hurricane Ida hit Southeast Louisiana.
Bayou Community Foundation is working with contractors and volunteers to help get people back in their homes.
Ida wiped out mail carrier, Donna Baker's home.
"Devastated. It was gone," she said.
She's been living in a trailer since.
"Another reason I stay here is because I have cancer and I do my treatment," she said.
One week ago, contractors started building her a new home.
"They don't waste their time," she said. "I was excited. I was so thankful. It was all God sent."
Her new home build is being funded by Bayou Community Foundation, a nonprofit focused on rebuilding homes in the bayou parishes.
"Bayou Community Foundation purchases all the building supplies so volunteers can get right to work to help these people in need," Executive Director Jennifer Armand said.
They have completed 11 repairs with nine repairs underway now. The group is also funding three new homes under construction, including Baker's.
Volunteers come from all over, with an average of 50 a week. Some are short term and some long term, like Ken Madden from Iowa who volunteers with the Methodist Church group, NOMADS.
"We came here in November," Madden said. "Because that’s what God’s called me to do."
The foundation wants to raise $2 million for their efforts, including funding new homes for at least 15 families waiting.
"There's been a transformation and its ongoing," said Michael Williamson, President and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana.
United Way granted $100,000 to Bayou Community Foundation for the Rebuild Grand Isle Project.
"It's called long term recovery for a reason and were here for the long term," Williamson said.
It's helping those like Baker move back into a home.
"I really never thought this would happen, I anticipated getting a bigger camper," Baker said.
Baker's home is expected to be complete in six weeks.
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