Today marks 20 years since Hurricane Katrina forever changed Louisiana. The storm left behind devastation, but it also revealed the strength and resilience of our communities. We learned that when times are tough, Louisianians are quick to step in to support each other. Neighbors helped neighbors and organizations reshaped their work to meet the urgent needs. The need was greater than any of us predicted or could tackle alone.
Funders learned lessons that continue to shape how we give today. Katrina shifted the way many organizations – including our own – respond during crisis. Those lessons continue to guide how we prepare for and respond to disasters across Louisiana.
Partner Spotlights
Looking back on Katrina means remembering the people and organizations that took action to help those in need. Here are a few of our partners whose journeys from that time continue to inspire today.
Aaron Frumin, unCommon Construction
Aaron moved to New Orleans in October 2005 after watching news coverage of Katrina. He joined the Red Cross to help with relief efforts and began working in construction soon after. Aaron also served with AmeriCorps and built houses with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans.
In 2015, Aaron founded unCommon Construction, an organization where high school students build houses while gaining hands-on job skills and scholarship opportunities. Last year, he received The Angel Award in recognition of his dedication to young people in Louisiana. Today, unCommon Construction continues to empower young people through meaningful work that strengthens both their futures and the community.
St. Bernard Project (SBP)
Founded in St. Bernard Parish just six months after Katrina, SBP started with a mission to help families rebuild and recover, with a focus on shrinking the time between disaster and recovery. What started in New Orleans quickly grew as they partnered with communities across Southeast Louisiana.
Today, SBP works nationwide to support communities affected by disaster. Their efforts prepare people before crises occur, streamline the rebuilding process and guide families through recovery. They also train local partners in underserved areas to strengthen their preparedness and build long-term resilience.
Rebuilding Together New Orleans
Rebuilding Together New Orleans started years before Katrina and focused on helping elderly and disabled homeowners who could no longer manage the upkeep of their homes. After the storm, they shifted their mission to support families displaced by flooding and destruction and took on full renovation and rebuilding projects.
By restoring the city’s existing houses, they helped bring residents back home and offered a model for preserving the city’s historic neighborhoods. Today, Rebuilding Together New Orleans continues to lead recovery efforts after hurricanes and other disasters while remaining committed to the long-term revitalization of the city.
Looking Forward
The memories and lessons of Katrina are still with us 20 years later. The storm reshaped not only our communities but also how nonprofits and funders approach disaster relief. We learned that flexibility, speed and listening to community voices are essential in times of crisis.
As we reflect on this anniversary, the Foundation remains committed to working alongside partners across the state to build healthier, more resilient communities. We carry forward the lessons of Katrina while continuing to focus on the challenges that lie ahead.