Volunteers build Habitat Home for LGBTQ+ family in Lower 9th Ward

Zach Labbé
·1 min read
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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) –– Volunteers from all over the city gathered in the Lower 9th Ward Friday morning, June 21, to break ground on a New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) home for an LGBTQ+ household.

Maryanne Martin and Piki Mendizabal say their daughter is a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and this is about more than having a place to live. “Feeling that my daughter is going to be safe at home and full of love. And all these people from the community are helping out, it’s really a blessing,” said Martin.

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Entergy New Orleans had a handful of volunteers on site, and Customer Service Vice President of Entergy New Orleans Nyka Scott said it was an easy choice, especially during Pride Month. “We have a lot of LGBTQ employees, so they can always tell us how appreciative they are that we participate in their events.”

The Martin family was not going to just watch the construction. “We’re hoping to put our hands on the work and, you know, nail some things and cut some others. But [Piki’s] doing the heavy work,” said Martin.

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She said this level of support means a lot to them, especially their daughter. “She recently learned that a friend of her that came out with her parents was put in a facility, to get cured somehow. The fact that she can be safe in a home and not thrown away, like other kids, part of the community, at her age, it’s a really a big deal for us.”

NOAHH works with qualifying families to build safe and affordable homes. For more information on applying or volunteering, go to the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity.

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