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Lafarge Volunteers Help Make a Difference

Lafarge volunteers with big check.


Over fifty volunteers from Lafarge North America joined NOAHH on site to help build a home in Hollygrove. Sharing fresh made beignets at breakfast and po’boys and muffalettas at lunch, the group from all of the United States took in a taste of New Orleans as they put up siding and interior walls on Emma Varela’s new home. Working in the heat of late spring New Orleans proved a refreshing change of pace for many of the volunteers hailing from up north, and by the end of the day, over half the house had been sided!

The volunteers worked alongside Varela, whose experience as a house painter has come in handy during her sweat equity hours. Not only does her experience mean she already knows how to help build for her home, but it also means she is able to take a role guiding volunteers in the process! She moved here eight years ago with her son, who is now a high school student, and she is well on her way to homeownership!

“I enjoy what I do; I like to help others,” she said. “…I always work hard at improving myself. I did not think that I would ever be a homeowner. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to build and own my home.”

Lafarge Build 1

Lafarge North America has long been a partner with Habitat for Humanity, and even around the world, regularly joining Habitat for Humanity International at the annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project events. Lafarge U.S. President and CEO John Stull was on hand to present a check to NOAHH on behalf of the Lafarge U.S. and its employees. He spoke of his experiences with Habitat and his appreciation of the mission, making it clear that Lafarge’s commitment to the Habitat and the communities it represents is a part of the company’s make up.

“Helping in the construction of the communities in which we live and work is a core priority for Lafarge,” said John Stull, Lafarge U.S. President & CEO. “We are excited to be a part of this project today by contributing to building better cities in New Orleans and to support NOAHH in their efforts to promote homeownership in the area.”

By the day’s end, the hard work had brought Emma Varela much closer to her dream. As she said, “A huge thanks to all the volunteers who give their time to help us build our home. The life of my son and me has changed through homeownership.””

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