Volunteering in New Orleans and Building Community

Group of volunteers during Katrina

At A & E Handyman Service, we believe that great work isn’t just about fixing things—it’s also about building relationships and showing up for people when they need it most. Today, we talk with Ed and Ande Kobek about their experience volunteering in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina and how it shaped the way they approach their work and community care.

Rebuilding After Katrina: A Hands-On Experience

Question: Can you tell us about your time helping with the rebuild after Hurricane Katrina?

Eddie: We spent two springs in New Orleans volunteering together and eventually stepped into supervisory roles. Busloads of college students were arriving from all over the country, ready to help, and there was a real need for organizing and guiding those efforts. 

We worked with a grassroots group called United Saints. It was started by a volunteer named Daryl, who noticed that after the first responders left, so did all the equipment. He came down to help, saw the need, went back home—and then returned with a plan to keep the effort going. The spirit was pure community—neighbors helping neighbors, strangers becoming friends, and everyone doing what they could.

We balanced our efforts—Ed often focused on structural rebuilding, while Ande helped make the homes livable again. It was a true partnership, each of us bringing what we had to the table to support the bigger mission.

Memorable Moments in the Rebuild

Question: What was the most meaningful memory you have from that time?

Eddie: One that stands out was meeting Arthur Booker, the brother of the legendary New Orleans musician James Booker. When Arthur had to evacuate, his home was stripped of all its copper plumbing. Nothing worked when he came back. That’s when we pivoted from coordinating to doing more hands-on work—Ed replumbed the house, and Ande continued supporting the student crews. The moment we turned the water back on felt like a small miracle. Arthur welcomed us into his life—sharing meals, stories, and music. He had one surviving record that he had played on, and the student volunteers would gather around to listen as he sang along. In those moments, it wasn’t just about fixing homes—it was about honoring lives, culture, and community through connection. 

Another unforgettable day was when we painted an entire church. It was raining, and while Ed was patching plaster inside, Daryl walked in with around 50 college students and said, “Hey, think we can paint this place today?” We jumped in, asking for rollers and brushes, and got to work.

We picked students who were comfortable on ladders, like one young woman who proudly said, “My dad was a roofer.” Just for fun, Ed called out, “Anyone play piano?” and one young woman sat down and played beautifully. There was music, laughter, and a whole lot of teamwork. It was electric—like the building itself came alive through everyone’s spirit.

And then there was the muralist. He didn’t follow the structured rebuild projects, but he transformed abandoned buildings into powerful works of art. One mural stood on a house that had belonged to generations of a family before being marked for demolition. It became a sacred tribute, a visual echo of what had been lost and what still mattered.

How This Experience Shaped Their Work Today

Question: How did your time in New Orleans influence how you work with people now?

Eddie: It’s hard to sum it all up, but witnessing what happens in the wake of a disaster—both the heartbreak and the human resilience—changed us. Sadly, we saw how vulnerable people were taken advantage of by predatory contractors. But we also saw the flip side: everyday people showing up out of pure goodwill, getting things done without expecting anything in return.

Watching Daryl become a cornerstone of the neighborhood—trading fridges for lawnmowers, solving problems with creativity and care—reminded us what community really means. It’s not just about finishing a project; it’s about lifting each other up and doing right by one another.

Question:You often say that your handyman work is about building lasting relationships. How do you bring that spirit into your business?

Eddie: Volunteer work showed us that what people remember most isn’t the hammer and nails—it’s the human connection. We carry that into every home we visit. Sure, we can fix what’s broken, but we also take the time to listen, to understand the bigger picture, and to respond with care.

For us, it’s not just about repairs—it’s about trust, respect, and shared humanity. That’s what we learned in New Orleans. The most meaningful work is the kind you do with people, not just for them.