BROADMOOR IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

Broadmoor Moishe House Exemplifies Jewish Community's Ongoing Commitment to NOLA Created by the Forest Foundation and the Center for Leadership Initiatives in 2005, Moishe Houses are homes that serve as grassroots community centers for young adult Jewish communities throughout the world. Broadmoor has a rich Jewish history: Jews have been a strong part of the neighborhood's diverse social fabric since its development in the 1920s. "Moishe House New Orleans will emphasize social justice and community revitalization," said Graboyes, who is the BDC's Housing Case Manager. "The House will also serve as a conduit for the many Jewish groups around the world interested in contributing to recovery efforts here in New Orleans." Exemplifying this outside support for New Orleans' recovery, Jay Gershman of Hartford, CT founded Visions for Friends to help rebuild homes by providing both fiscal support and manual labor. Thus far, Visions for Friends has raised approximately $25,000. This sum was recently matched by a grant of $40,000 from the Salvation Army and the Red Cross. Gershman and a team of Visions volunteers arrived in Broadmoor this week to work on their first renovation project: the home of Ms. Della Mae Weatherspoon. A 79-year old retired Greyhoud bus driver, Ms. Weatherspoon has been living in a FEMA trailer since Hurricane Katrina. "After the storm, I traveled to New Orleans to help rebuild a house. When I got there, I realized just how fortunate we in my hometown are to have safe, comfortable homes" said Gershman. "Since that visit, I have spoken to many people who feel the same way. My experience inspired me to found Visions for Friends to help people like Ms. Della Mae return to their own homes." The Broadmoor Development Corporation helped Visions by linking the group with the Salvation Army and Red Cross. "We are excited by Visions' support for our neighborhood" said Hal Roark, Executive Director of the BDC. "Similarly, the Moishe House signals a bright future for Jewish organizations in New Orleans. House-by-house, we are rebuilding and revitalizing our community – and city. The BDC commends both groups on their efforts, and looks forward to working with them in the future." For more information on the Broadmoor Development Corporation, Moishe House New Orleans, and Visions for Friends, visit www.broadmoorimprovement.com, www.moishehouse.org, and www.visionsforfriends.com.