We could not have succeeded without you!

Her years-long efforts on behalf Rebuilding Together New Orleans (RTNO) and the PRC’s Christmas in October program have improved the quality of life for countless low-income, elderly, and physically disabled homeowners through home repair and the revitalization of their neighborhoods.

From St. Roch to Hollygrove, over 400 New Orleans residents are back in their homes because of her labors, and through her efforts over 10,000 volunteers came to the Crescent City after Katrina to help with the clean-up and rebuilding of damaged houses.

The Salvage Store on St. Claude-which Palmer helped found-not only receives architectural salvage from homes that are being demolished so that those materials can be utilized in rebuilds, but it is a place where the reclaimed windows, doors, and other classically New Orleans architectural elements are sold to general public at far below what similar materials would cost local consumers on the open market.  It is the ultimate conservation and recycling program that at the same time directly benefits the poorest of the Crescent City’s homeowners seeking to restore their residences.

From the playgrounds for which Palmer raised money to re-outfit in Algiers to the homes her non-profit efforts repaired on the East Bank, few candidates this election season both bridge the river-and the needs of the city-better than Kristin Palmer.

www.louisianaweekly.com

Four years ago, we endorsed Palmer for this seat, and we do so again this year. Since 2006, Palmer has served as executive director of Rebuilding Together, one of the most successful programs of the Preservation Resource Center and a model for post-disaster redevelopment using “green” principles and techniques. Her efforts have helped more than 400 families return home post-Katrina. She also created Confetti Kids, a nonprofit that renovates parks and playgrounds in Algiers Point. She is a dynamo who will be an excellent addition to the council.

Kristin Gisleson Palmer

Ms. Palmer, an Algiers resident, headed up the Re-Building Together program for the Preservation Resource Center until resigning in December to run for this seat. Under her leadership, the program has rehabbed 250 houses since Katrina. She started with a staff of three and budget of $800,000 and grew it to 60 workers and $3 million in funding. She is vice president of the LA Smart Growth Board and was a founding board member of Evacuteer.org, a group devoted to assisting residents with evacuations. She would bring valuable experience to the blight eradication effort and promises to focus on smart budgeting, public participation in district priorities and developing new economic corridors. The district includes the French Quarter, Algiers, Faubourg St. John, Faubourg Marigny and Bywater.

(courtesy of NOLA.com)

Part Two