Norfolk Southern grant helps New Orleans families rebuild after hurricanes

Jul 10, 2025

 

NEW ORLEANS — Families impacted by devastating hurricanes are staying safe in their homes, thanks to essential repairs funded by the Norfolk Southern Safety First Grant.
 

The grant allowed Rebuilding Together New Orleans (RTNO) to make critical safety repairs and accessibility upgrades.
 

Why it matters: RTNO’s Safe at Home program tackles urgent home safety issues — like hazardous wiring, structural damage, and lack of accessibility — that can force low-income residents out of their homes.
 

Real impact: Mark and Euritici Durand, high school sweethearts married nearly 50 years, struggled to repair their home after Hurricane Ida. RTNO had already installed a new roof in 2023. With the Safety First grant, volunteers returned to add railings and other safety features to help prevent falls.

 

 

Kickoff to Rebuild: This is Mark & Euritici Durandphone at 2239 St Roch Ave New Orleans, LA, ©Kathy Anderson

 

 

What they’re saying:

“Thanks to the support of Norfolk Southern, we’ve been able to complete critical safety-related repairs that directly impact the well-being of our homeowners,” — William Stout, Executive Director, RTNO.
 

“Thanks to these improvements, the Durands can continue living safely and comfortably in the home that holds a lifetime of memories,” — Kristin Wong, Director, NS Foundation and Community Impact.
 

Grant application open: Nonprofits can apply for a Safety First and Thriving Communities grant through Sept. 1 at our website: Grant Programs.

 

 

RTNO_Volunteers_inline

 

Volunteers from Rebuilding Together New Orleans deliver supplies to clients.

 

 

 

 

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