Redeveloping New Orleans' Desire neighborhood...

In October 2005 following Hurricane Katrina, Desire Street Ministries began a massive clean-up effort within the Desire neighborhood which
has included gutting local churches and houses. Through demolition and construction projects, Desire Street Ministries facilitated over 1,200 volunteers and helped with 150 damaged buildings. The ministry building is now operational so that it can be used for community meetings as DSM plays an integral role in rebuilding New Orleans.

Ninth Ward Community Ministry

Desire Street Ministries has recently begun a new effort to reconnect with residents of the Ninth Ward by having weekly Power Hour lunches. Those attending local churches were polled to see what they miss most in the neighborhood. The consensus was that residents want a place to talk, share with each other, and know that someone cares about the Ninth Ward.The power hour is a time of sharing and is therapeutic to those who attend because so many residents are still struggling with anxiety and depression. As they work to rebuild their lives and homes this provides an opportunity for those at DSM to catch up with the community since they’ve been away for two years. Power hour lunches give DSM a chance to hear the voice of the community as redevelopment projects are planned to make Desire a desirable place to live again.

For more information, email mpeterson@desirestreet.org.

CDC 58:12

The devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina compunded the issue of affordable housing. Desire Street Ministries has helped form a Christian Community Development Corporation called CDC 58:12. Based on Isaiah 58:12. the CDC will focus on developing affordable housing for low-to-moderate income families and providing economic development opportunities beginning in the Ninth Ward for residents who want to return to New Orleans. The CDC will also rehabilitate existing homes and provide first-time homebuyers training for potential buyers. Read more about CDC 58:12.

To contact CDC 58:12, please call 504-304-9356.

CURE

Desire Street Ministries is working to support and empower CURE
as they take the reigns of leadership in the recovery and redevelopment of the Desire neighborhood. This provides an excellent opportunity to encourage, inspire, and equip local leadership. DSM has partnered with Mission Year to provide two interns for CURE that will be responsible for coordinating volunteers, managing projects, coordinating available social services, and serving CURE administratively.

CURE has helped form the Upper Ninth Ward Community Association to ensure local residents have a voice in determining the future of their community. God is using the experiences, reputation, and social capital of the CURE pastors to bring the community together. Desire Street Ministries will participate with and support CURE in initiatives restoring playgrounds, training local churches in Christian community development, after school programs and recreation programs. Read more about CURE.

CURE's Background - CURE is an alliance of churched formed by local pastors who share a common vision for the church's responsibility in the community. While the churches maintain their value of individual traditions and theological emphases, we believe that there are certain community needs that can only be addressed collectively. We preserve the indispensable ministry of calling lost sinners to faith in Christ as the primary role of the church.
God intended that the gospel be presented both in word and deed. We hope to inspire greater ecumenical cooperation and support, to stimulate economic forces, to enhance access to educational and employment opportunities and to create structures which provide for a healthier community. We realize the God-given building blocks for strong communities are strong marriages and strong families, and we therefore seek to promote and protect the family.

To contact CURE, please call 504-304-9355.