Killingworth Student Helps Repair Home Ravaged by Hurricane Katrina

Killingworth resident Dan McGrath recently spent time in Louisiana to help repair homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

McGrath and nearly three dozen other Fairfield University undergraduates took part in the service trip to the St. Roch neighborhood of New Orleans, a city that is still in recovery mode despite the nearly seven years that have passed since the hurricane.

One of the homes students repaired belongs to a man who helped save numerous neighbors after the levees gave way.

“After talking with him and learning about all the horrific situations he faced, I could not have been happier to help rebuild this man’s home,” said McGrath. "He likely saved many lives, 17 alone on the first day of serious flooding in Holly Grove.”

Armed with power tools, drill bits, caulk and paint, the students installed new floors and erected walls destroyed by the storm.

“In just four days, we were able to transform this house with the little background in construction we had,” said student Danielle Young. “This really shows how helpful we have been and we couldn’t be more proud of our work. This experience has shown us all how little efforts can truly make a huge difference in someone’s life.”

Fairfield University collaborated with Loyola University New Orleans and the Washington, D.C.-based Rebuilding Together, an organization focusing on providing low-income or disabled homeowners with “sustainable solutions” through home repair and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Students also volunteered at the Jefferson Parish SPCA Animal Shelter, which now takes in more than 1,000 animals a month.

Bryan Shea couldn't help but fall for a a puppy in a pit bull mix litter rescued by the shelter.

“After witnessing an actual dog fight in the middle of a busy intersection, I have realized that not only humans are in need of our help in rebuilding New Orleans,” said Shea who renamed the dog "Bourbon".

The animal has found a new home living with Shea's parents in New York.

Information provided by Meg McCaffrey