To kick off United We Serve, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan joined the St. Bernard Project and other local New Orleans organizations to rebuild two homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The Secretary volunteered alongside his wife and two sons, helping to finish sheetrock installation, float drywall and plant a garden.

Despite the harsh summer heat, the Secretary, who has renovated his own home and several others, was unfazed. "We've got a lot to do today. This home and a lot of homes in New Orleans still need volunteers.” Even 7 year-old Lucas Donovan got in on the action, “we would get a little of the white mud and we would scrape it on the walls, and cover the nails."

With the help of dedicated volunteers working two shifts a day for three weeks (not to mention a hand from the Donovans), the home of Kenneth and Barbara Wiltz was completed in a record five weeks. At the ribbon cutting of their new home, Mr. Wiltz thanked all those who helped make it possible, “My wife, Barbara and I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you've put in and done for us."

To learn more about the St. Bernard Project visit: www.stbernardproject.org.