New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity kicked off a year of "A Brush With Kindness" (ABWK) Projects in the 7th ward of New Orleans helping Irene Foy who needed some external repairs in order for her home to pass inspection for Homeowner's Insurance.
Irene Foy was born in the 7th ward area of New Orleans in 1933. She raised 13 children including two sets of twins and has 42 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She has lived in her home at 1818 North Villere for over 45 years. Irene's husband of 51 years, LeRoy Foy, worked two jobs in order to send their children to Catholic school. Since her husband's death in 2008, her youngest daughter Nicole has lived with her. Irene stays busy through her involvement in the Catholic community. She is associated with Corpus Christi - Epiphany Catholic Church and the Crescent City Jewels Social and Pleasure Club. Crescent City Jewels performs many charitable deeds around the city, from making Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets to helping to raise money for local churches.
Irene’s home was spared by Katrina, only having received minor damage underneath the floorboards. Luckily, the water level stopped at the sills of the house. After the storm, Irene was fortunate to receive assistance from Catholic Charities and the sisters of Kentucky to make repairs. Recently she was told that her shed and back steps needed to be repaired in order to maintain her homeowners insurance.
Irene expressed her gratitude to the ABWK volunteers and New Orleans Habitat staff on being the first ABWK project. She expressed that she plans on including New Orleans Habitat for Humanity on her donation and prayer lists.