Habitat Success Stories

Grillo Family

Dominick Grillo was born in Ryebrooke, New York in 1978. His family was comprised of several talented singers, but Dominick went a different route and started playing the tenor saxophone. In 2001, he moved to New Orleans-the town that many of his jazz influences made their mark and produced the music we all know and love today. He attended the music program at the University of New Orleans and met many fellow musicians. As a young musician, Dominick learned the ropes from some of the most seasoned and accomplished musicians in town and began to grow and learn more under their guidance. In s004, he began to play the club scenes on Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street, as well as venues and festivals throughout the southeast. In 2005, Katrina took its toll and Dominick lost everything he couldn’t carry with him. He came back to New Orleans shortly after and re-established his roots. You can find him Monday 6-10pm at the Spotted Cat with his FrenchmenStreet All Stars & 11-2am at BJ’s lounge with King James & the Special Men; Wednesdays at Café Negril with Another Day in Paradise, Thursdays at Bamboulas with the Pentones, Fridays at Café Negril with Dana Abbott, as well as several special performances in the New Orleans area and tour dates throughout the year in many other destinations.

Jessi Turchi was born in Metairie, Louisiana in 1978. She attended high school in New Orleans, then the University of New Orleans. She rediscovered her love of art in college and began doing mural work, sign painting and mixed media. In 2000, she was accepted into a tattoo apprenticeship at the longest standing shop in New Orleans, Aart Accent Tattoos. She started her true tattoo career in 2001 and
spent many years travelling the country and honing her skills as an artist. She was also displaced and suffered much personal loss after the throws of Katrina but quickly moved back home to rebuild a life in New Orleans.

Dominick and Jessi met in 2006 and became best friends sharing their endeavors in the music and art of the city they love. They began dating in 2007 and had a beautiful baby boy in May 2011- Dominick Joseph Grillo, Jr – aka “Domino Joe.” They currently live in a small apartment in the Bywater where Dominick continues to play music and Jessi has a room for her tattoo work, painting, and most recently has begun making jewelry while at home raising Domino Joe. You can find her creations at Piety Street Art market every second Saturday of each month and on Etsy.

We are truly grateful for the opportunity to own a home and raise our son in a great environment. Your contribution and the NOAHH program are making our dream a reality; owning a home is a difficult goal for artists and musicians who are a rich part of the culture and heritage of our fair city. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and will continue to create and thrive in a city that supports art and music.

Homeownership Program

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Home Repair Program

This program helps low-income, elderly, and or disabled homeowners who may struggle to manage necessary repairs on their own.