George and Barbra Hansell

Neighborhood: Gentilly
Architecture Style: Bungalow

George and Barbra Hansell, New Orleans natives, purchased their home in the Gentilly neighborhood in 1996. They lived there happily for nearly ten years until Hurricane Katrina flooded their home with eight feet of water. With their home in an uninhabitable condition, the Hansell’s have lived in Atlanta since their evacuation in 2005. To make matters worse, the Hansell’s lost their health insurance because they could not keep their jobs in New Orleans.

When their family members experienced health problems, the Hansell’s spent the insurance money they received for home repairs on medical bills. They overcame the hardships of their daughter undergoing a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, their newborn grandson being diagnosed with Leukemia and another grandson needing expensive treatment and schooling to address his special needs. Tragically in May 2010, Mr. Hansell, a Vietnam veteran, passed away from health complications. Despite her hardships, Mrs. Hansell is still committed to completing her home. With two sons and a daughter-in-law in the Navy, this military family wants nothing more than to have their mother back home in New Orleans.

The Hansell’s home was featured during Rebuilding Together’s commemorative event of the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, “Fifty for Five”. Although the Hansell’s home is nearly completed, the Gentilly neighborhood has not fully recovered since Hurricane Katrina. No matter the size, your contribution can bring Mrs. Hansell and other deserving New Orleanians home.

$12 can tile 6 square feet the kitchen floor
$54 can purchase 3 gallons of interior paint
$85 can install the kitchen and bathroom cabinets