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Fortress Teams with Perma-Seal and Global Hope
Our trip to the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans exceeded our expectations on many levels. The indomitable spirit and boundless energy of our volunteers easily prevailed over the conspiracy of bad weather and unforeseen circumstances. Linda Jackson and the Common Ground volunteers are deeply appreciative of the generous donations! I’ve attached a copy of Roy’s interview with Lou Manfredini and am working on a photo montage and video of our accomplishments. You can also visit our weblog, which provided an accounting of our day-to-day progress (globalhopenow.org). While video-taping and photographing our progress, I did focus on the application of your products and would be happy to send you a personalized copy if you would like.
In 4 work days with 22 people (10 Perma-Seal volunteers), here’s what we accomplished:
- Tore off, repaired and re-shingled the roofs of 4 homes
- Structurally reinforced a cracked/unstable home
- Re-engineered an unstable front porch
- Repaired cracks, waterproofed, paint, replace fascia and soffits on the exterior of two homes
- Installed 4 large windows
- Re-organized and build shelving for the Common Ground Volunteer Kitchen
- Unloaded, sorted and distributed donated items.
Where Linda Jackson had been unable to find anyone to tackle her house, it is now structurally sound and weather tight, and will be quite livable after some more work. Her house was a perfect application for some of Fortress’ carbon fiber technology. Dolores Cager, too, will be able to return to her family home of many years, and the work on Common Ground volunteer housing leverages our effort by supporting future volunteer efforts.
I cannot overstate the spirit and talent of our volunteer team. While working hard, under difficult conditions, their humor, love and joy was unwavering. And, as one often hears, the rewards they experienced while giving in such a direct way far exceeded what they felt they gave. Perhaps Vern, of Common Ground, summed it up best when he wrote:
"Global Hope volunteers have been a tsunami of hope rushing through the lower ninth during the fourth week of January '08. ... Laughing and joking, if you didn't know they were working with calculated efficiency, you'd think they were having a party. The buildings they pass through move noticeably closer to being inhabitable homes. " Vern, Common Ground Media
Todd, thank you for your interest in this project. As you can see, with your donation we were able to offer hope to those that others deemed hopeless. I will keep you posted of our future endeavors!
Sincerely,
Laura A. Roedel
V.P. of Operations
Perma-Seal Basement Systems
513 Rogers Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone: 800-421-7325
Fax: 630-512-0032
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