Over the past four years, 13 families from the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe have been returned to their communities and native lands with brand new fortified homes. Each finished home is celebrated with a Home Blessing Ceremony and celebration.
Surrounded by community members, organizational partners, and the volunteers who helped build her new home, Jade Bergeron was moved to tears. After years of displacement following Hurricane Ida, she spoke about what it meant to finally bring her family home — to choose her home’s colors, finishes, and even the rooms where her children will soon sleep. Her joy echoed that of fellow homeowners Norris Hotard and Roger Verdin, each beginning a new chapter after years of uncertainty.
During the recent Home Blessing Ceremonies hosted by the Lowlander Center, new homes in Pointe‑au‑Chien, Louisiana were honored with new keys, handmade blankets, and shared wishes for the families preparing to move in. The moment made clear the scale of the compassionate, coordinated effort that brought these homes to life.
These ceremonies marked a meaningful milestone for a community that has endured extraordinary loss. When Hurricane Ida struck Pointe‑au‑Chien on August 29, 2021, nearly 70 homes stood along the bayou; afterward, only 12 remained livable. Families were uprooted, generational lands were damaged, and livelihoods were swept away. Recovery was further slowed when Hurricane Francine hit on September 11, 2024, underscoring the urgent need for safe, resilient housing.
“I’m so appreciative of all the donors, partners, builders, and everyone who came together to make this possible,” said Jade Bergeron as she admires her newly-constructed home.
Each home was blessed by interfaith leaders with thoughts of protection, joy and positive new beginnings.
Over the past four years, the Rebuilding Pointe‑au‑Chien Together network has worked steadily to restore stability. Two homes were completed in 2023–2024, seven more in 2024–2025, and four additional homes were completed in spring 2026. With resiliency in mind for future hurricanes, every structure is built to the IBHS FORTIFIED Gold Standard, with reinforced connections, sealed roof decks, wind‑rated shingles, and elevated foundations designed to withstand future storms.
A $557,000 long-term recovery grant from the American Red Cross to the Lowlander Center supported the construction of four elevated, storm‑resilient homes in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, along with the installation of seven 2,000‑gallon stainless steel water cisterns to ensure safe water access during future disasters.
The Pointe‑au‑Chien Indian Tribe, whose families have lived on this land for generations, has been central to this effort. During the ceremonies, tribal elder Theresa reflected on the spirit behind the work.
“Volunteers build these houses. They leave their homes for weeks or months to build homes for us. That’s love,” she said.
The blessings offered over each home were not only prayers for safety — they were acknowledgements of perseverance, partnership, and the enduring strength of a community rebuilding itself, one family at a time.
This work has been made possible through the collective commitment of the Rebuilding Pointe‑au‑Chien Together partners: the Pointe‑au‑Chien Indian Tribe, American Baptist Home Mission Societies, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, The Grail, Church of the Brethren, Danos Foundation, Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief, Lowlander Center, Mennonite Disaster Service, Presbyterian Church, and Week of Compassion.
The American Red Cross is proud to be a part of ensuring that families like Jade’s can return home — safely, proudly, and with renewed hope for the future.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
