NEW ORLEANS, LA — New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity has received the 2024 Best in Climate Resiliency Award at the Habitat for Humanity International Affiliate Conference in a nationwide house design contest sponsored by Simpson Strong-Tie. The award recognizes the innovative design of its climate-resilient affordable homes in Jean Lafitte.
The contest was open to over 1,500 Habitat for Humanity affiliates nationwide and consisted of four categories: Accessibility, Climate Resiliency, Sustainability, and Durability. The design for the new homes in Jean Lafitte showcases New Orleans Habitat’s commitment to incorporating cutting-edge, sustainable, and resilient design elements into affordable homes for hardworking families.
“We’re honored to have been selected for this award out of Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the country,” New Orleans Habitat Executive Director Marguerite Oestreicher said. “This home design represents the future of affordable home building, bringing it to the forefront of climate resilience and investing in families and sustainable communities.”
The award-winning design was created in close collaboration with Auburn University’s Rural Studio, which donated their service to the project.
Plans for the home sites include removing homes destroyed by Hurricane Ida and building new climate-resilient homes in their place. The new homes are built to a FORTIFIED Gold standard, withstanding winds of up to 140 miles per hour, and use significantly less energy than traditional homes. An additional benefit of the design will be a significant reduction in homeowners insurance premiums and energy bills, providing added financial security for the families.
Soaring rents and insurance premiums and a mounting shortage of affordable housing options have made homeownership unaffordable for many families. Through our Jean Lafitte Rebuilding Program and Rising Oaks 150-home real estate development in the Terrytown community of Jefferson Parish, New Orleans Habitat is dedicated to helping hard-working families in Southeast Louisiana achieve homeownership.
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About New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity:
New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Our mission is to responsibly build communities where families can thrive, in homes they can afford. Founded in 1083, NOAHH has provided a path to homeownership for more than 750 families. NOAHH has hosted more than 200,000 volunteers who have built homes, cleared blighted properties, and made urgently needed repairs for more than 480 elderly or disabled property owners in need through our Home Repair Services program. The affiliate’s Opportunity Youth Intern and Apprenticeship program provides hands-on learning opportunities for interns and apprentices with local job opportunities in the construction industry. NOAHH also has a ReStore location at 2900 Elysian Fields Avenue in New Orleans. For more information, please visit www.habitat-nola.org.