About the Raymond Family

On February 10, 1975, Andrea Raymond was bornin New Orleans, Louisiana to Honray Miles and Amily Raymond. Growing up in the 7th Ward, I endured many trials and tribulations. I was raised in a drug infested neighborhood along with two other siblings. My family struggled to make ends meet and my father moved back to Arkansas when I was a year old. There after, I moved in with my grandmother from the age of one to the age of ten. After my grandmother passed away in 1985, I moved in with my mother. I attended Nelson Elementary, M.H. Phillips, and Alfred Lawless.

As a teenager, I endured many hardships which resulted in major life transformation. Raising five nieces and nephews presented many obstacles for my family. I began working as a babysitter at the age of seventeen to support my sister’s children. In 1999, I was hired by the state as a groundskeeper for the City of New Orleans Parks and Parkways. When Hurricane Katrina devastated new Orleans in August of 2005, my family relocated to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Because I was a city employee, I was on the first responders list to return to New Orleans to help restore the city. During that time, I relocated to multiple houses because the rent was too expensive. Habitat for Humanity has allowed me to realize that owning my own home is more than a dream, it’s a reality. I feel truly blessed and honored to be a part of such a caring organization. Not only does Habitat for Humanity help low income families build homes, it also builds brand new lives and restores hope. I now believe that anything is possible if you work hard and be steadfast. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity for making my dreams come true.