Before the storm, Juan Toledo, Jr. of Arabi enjoyed living in his home of 15 years and working as a roofing contractor. When Katrina headed his way, Juan decided to brave the storm. His eldest daughter, Rachel, and his mother-in-law joined him. His younger daughter, Arielle, was staying with other family members at the time.
The family weathered the storm and took shelter in the attic of their home. When the storm calmed, they moved to the roof. They watched the water continue to rise as they waited to be rescued.
Juan was eventually able to retrieve his own small boat and take his family to a local community building, where a group of people had gathered in hope of being rescued. Juan paddled around his neighborhood and rescued 37 others who were stranded and brought them to safety with his family.
When the group realized help wasn’t coming, they began to search for food and medical supplies. Juan, once again, set out in his boat. He “commandeered” some medical equipment, and was able to salvage enough food to sustain the group for several days. Juan and other community members distributed food to people who had chosen to wait for help in their attics. After eight long days of waiting, Juan’s family was rescued.
Juan relocated to Prairieville, outside of Baton Rouge. He rented an apartment for the following year and saved money to rebuild the family’s house in Arabi. Rachel attended Louisiana State University and stayed with relatives. Since Katrina, Juan’s mother-in-law has passed away. The family lived in her home and has many memories of the home.
Juan continues to struggle to rebuild the home and lives outside the house in a trailer he was able to purchase after the storm. “I got tired of sleeping in my truck and taking showers in the driveway,” Juan says.
Juan expresses his gratitude for the many willing volunteers who donate their time to help rebuild his community. “They’re not just coming down here—they’re really putting forth their hearts,” he said.
Rachel still attends LSU, and will receive her doctorate in physical therapy in two years. Juan’s youngest daughter Arielle is now 16 and suffers from cystic fibrosis. Arielle lives in Slidell with other family members and attends the local high school. Juan looks forward to finishing his house so Arielle will be able to stay with him more often.
Juan looks forward to restoring the house. “It’s a place to call home”—something he has been missing for years.
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Under Construction
Some of our homes currently under Construction
Barbara Williams, New Orleans, LA
Brenda Dupre-Williams, Lower 9th
Chana King, Violet, LA
Clarence and Diane Victorian, New Orleans East, LA
Cologero Caillouet, Chalmette, LA
Darren Anderson, Violet, LA
Darryn Carreras, Chalmette, LA
Darrell Betha, Mereaux, LA
David Lagrange, Arabi, LA
David Melerine, St Bernard, LA
Deborah Vita, Violet, LA
Debra Brown, Gentilly, LA
Delia Doty, Chalmette, LA
Donald & Tonya Topey, Violet, LA
Donnell Barthelemy, Violet, LA
Donnie Panarello, Chalmette, LA
Evelyn Solis, Chalmette, LA
Gerry Bierria, New Orleans, LA
Glenda Ceaser, Violet, LA
Jennifer Lanier, Violet, LA
Joycelyn and Lawrence Stokes, St. Bernard, LA
Joyce Guient, New Orleans, LA
Juan Toledo, Arabi, LA
Keith Florane, Chalmette, LA
Kenneth Burrell, Arabi, LA
Kenneth Dorsey, Lower 9th
Kwame & Dominique Adansi-Bona, Gentilly, LA
Mathilda & August Miller, Chalmette, LA
Mona Lisa Payne, New Orleans, LA
Ralph Dipadova, Chalmette, LA
Rebecca Holmes, St. Bernard, LA
Regina Beal, Violet, LA
Rhonda Krantz, St. Bernard, LA
Ricky Diecidue, Meraux, LA
Robert & Amy Barlow, Meraux, LA
Roosevelt Houston, Lower 9th
Sabrina Pacaccio, Violet, LA
Shane & Tina Meshell, Meraux, LA
Sharen Williams, Arabi, LA
Theresa McLuckey, Chalmette, LA
Vanessa Havers, St. Bernard, LA
Velma Lewis, New Orleans, LA
Willie Major, Violet, LA
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