Saints safeties Darren Sharper and Roman Harper revealed homes they rebuilt along with United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area and Phoenix of New Orleans (PNOLA) on Monday.
Sharper and Harper surprised two families, the Johnson and Jones families, whose homes were affected by Hurricane Katrina this past holiday season by funding their home rebuild. The two Saints safeties hosted a barbeque on the lawn at each of the newly rebuilt homes to celebrate with the families and the community.
"We wanted to do something special to give back and this was a great opportunity for us," said Sharper. "We got to cut the ribbon today and it was like we gave the family a big present."
Along with the help of United Way, PNOLA, Black Elk Energy, The Louisiana Association of Community Action Partners (LACAP) and IrvingMorris they were able to give the families the gift of a home. Sharper and Harper, along with members of the projects partners, toured the homes with the Families at Monday's event.
"Once they presented me with this project, I couldn't say no," said Harper. "I am always trying to find a way to give back to New Orleans and I am glad we could be a part of this."
About United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area: United Way is inspiring hope and creating opportunities for a better life for all. We support programs that work to strengthen children and youth, the elderly, families and individuals from all walks of life in Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington Parishes. Over 500 families in the greater New Orleans area are still living in temporary housing since the 2005 hurricanes. United Way's NO Place Like Home is a national online engagement campaign that is raising money to help get families back in their homes. For more info, please visit http://www.unitedwaynola.org/rebuildnola or www.unitedwaynola.org or call (504)822-5540. You can find us at www.facebook.com/UnitedWayNola or follow us on twitter: @UnitedWayNola.
