Fort Collins Locals Build One More Home

(Fort Collins, Co)- In May, 2008 two Fort Collins residents will have quit their jobs to build a house. Jessica Vrettos and Shannon Farrell started a grassroots initiative called One More Home to sponsor a home in New Orleans in conjunction with the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity. The duo is seeking to raise $93,500.

Their main fundraiser will be a walk in May across the miles of Colorado that run between New Mexico and Wyoming. They are encouraging businesses and individuals along the route to become involved and sponsor the miles they will be walking. Other fundraising events will include a benefit dinner at Fish Restaurant and an art show at the Gallery Underground (both in Fort Collins, CO).

The pair visited the city of New Orleans last year on a volunteer trip to build and gut houses. During their stay, they realized just how much was left to do. There are hundreds of homes and businesses that have yet to be rebuilt or restored. "The people we met in New Orleans are dedicated to their city, committed to returning to their lives, and determined to rebuild their community," said Farrell.

The New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is the largest rebuilding effort in the Gulf Coast. They have provided over a hundred families with homes since the storms hit and hundreds more are planned for the upcoming year. "We chose Habitat because of the great experience we had volunteering in New Orleans," said Vrettos "We also wanted to give people a tax exempt option for their donations by teaming up with a well established organization."

A home through the New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity is $85,000 but they plan on exceeding that number by another $8,500. Farrell explains, "I grew up in Colorado. I love my state and want to give back at home as well." So the extra 10% will go to the Colorado Habitat for Humanity's. "We are hoping that the end product of our work is not only a house but also an experience uniting communities, people, and spirit." explained Vrettos.

New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH), an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. NOAHH builds new houses in partnership with sponsors, volunteers, communities, and homeowner families to eliminate poverty housing in the New Orleans area while serving as a catalyst to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Since its inception in 1983 NOAHH has built over 200 new homes for low-income families in need of adequate shelter. In the next five years, NOAHH plans to build 1,000 homes in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines Parishes. www.habitat-nola.org

For more information or to make a donation, visit their website at www.onemorehomeneworleans.com. Jessica Vrettos is a CSU grad with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Shannon Farrell, also a CSU grad, has her degree in Natural Resource Management as well as a certificate in Massage therapy from the Healing Arts Institute.