(2/19/07) Putnam County Habitat for Humanity will host an exhibit that shows dramatic photos of the heartache and devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the hope and renewal offered by volunteers in the Gulf Coast. “Operation Home Delivery: Habitat for Humanity Responds to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes” will be on display for viewing during the upcoming Home Show March 2nd through the 4th.

Habitat for Humanity staff photographers captured the images beginning just days after Hurricane Katrina struck the coast. The series of photos show the initial destruction and the cleanup and rebuilding that is taking place in communities along the devastated area.

“As other issues capture our attention, it is easy to forget that people affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita are still struggling to recover,” said Pam Ealey, PCHFH Executive Director. “This exhibit is a vivid and compelling reminder — not only of the terrible loss, but of the amazing resilience of those affected and the incredible work of Habitat for Humanity volunteers to rebuild.”

Immediately after Hurricane Katrina and then after Hurricane Rita, Habitat for Humanity’s Operation Home Delivery program began putting plans in place to help low-income families in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas and Alabama affected by the storms build homes as part of the region’s long-term reconstruction. Nearly 15,000 volunteers from around the United States and Canada have been traveling to the Gulf Coast to help Habitat for Humanity’s rebuilding efforts. To date, nearly 400 homes have been built or are under construction in the Gulf Coast thanks to the efforts of Habitat volunteers. By mid-summer of 2007, the organization expects to have built 1,000 hurricane-recovery houses along the Gulf.

“Our strategy is, and always has been, to work through local Habitat affiliates and communities and to develop partnerships with organizations to help low-income families build simple, decent homes and recover,” said Ken Meinert, senior vice president of Operation Home Delivery for Habitat for Humanity International.

The organization has raised more than $121 million to date for Gulf Coast reconstruction, much of it from local individuals and community groups.