St. Bernard Project (SBP) is a community-based nonprofit organization headquartered in St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. Founded in 2006, SBP’s mission is to remove barriers for families who wish to return to their homes in St. Bernard. To date, utilizing volunteer labor and donations for building supplies, SBP has rebuilt more than 280 families’ homes and is currently working on more than 50 additional homes. Homes are completely rebuilt in about 12 weeks and building supplies cost an average of $15,000 per house.

SBP uses an “Under One Roof” model. We offer case management, construction services, funding for our clients, and volunteer recruitment and in-house management. By offering all of the necessary services to rebuild our clients homes, SBP has developed a responsive and efficient program that delivers solutions in a timely manner.

Rebuilding Program

Our all-under-one-roof model of volunteer-driven serves low to moderate-income clients who do not have cash on hand or access to cash to rebuild their homes. This program gives priority to clients in three categories: elderly, disabled, and parents/caretakers of children.

By utilizing volunteer labor, skilled supervisors and affordable building supplies, the program completes volunteer labor in 12 weeks and uses approximately $15,000 (including supplies and staff supervision) per home. To date the Rebuilding Program has rebuilt homes for 275 families in the Greater New Orleans region and works on 50 homes at a time. More than 18,000 volunteers have supported this program.

Community Wellness and Mental Health Clinic

Due to the significant mental health needs in the community and SBP’s position of trust in the community, SBP has partnered with the LSU Department of Psychiatry to create this center which provides residents with free access to high level clinical services. Services include assessments, medication management, evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive psychotherapy, and mind, body and wellness classes. By operating the CWMH under the same roof as the Rebuilding Program, residents benefit from a one-stop shopping model that will minimize the stigma that is often associated with accessing mental health services.