Jim Pate Quotations

We're in a situation where, as time goes by, people develop other commitments. They get involved in other volunteer opportunities and the care and the generous heart that would have gone down here in the first place starts focusing elsewhere.

We're going to spend about $60,000 for a home that will be here for generations.

We're looking at the possibility of maybe some of the schools that maybe we can swap out gutting and clean up in exchange for housing volunteers.

Jim has put together a true partnership and has graciously shared the resources of his affiliate and Westchester with us. He's been just a fabulous resource and friend to the New Orleans affiliate.

Typically, we can build a home in 12 to 14 days.

We'll need no less than 10 volunteers a day and no more than 25 a day, and they must be prepared to be self-sufficient for one to two weeks.

We'd hope some of our musician partner families could do some of their sweat equity by doing performances or concerts for some of our volunteers who are coming from all over the world.

That leaves us with the foundation, roof, electrical, plumbing, insulation, Sheetrock, windows, doors and exterior siding.

The entertainment industry and other corporate partners have been phenomenally supportive of the New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village. This challenge grant from Dave Matthews Band will focus attention on these positive rebuilding efforts while letting everyone know there is still a lot of work to do.

All of these components coming together will provide the mentors and the teachers for the next generation of New Orleans jazz and blues musicians.