Peter Link, HFHSTW Advisory Board member, is a longtime friend of President and Mrs. Bush, having been neighbors in Midland, Texas when his daughter Helen and the Bush twins were playmates. 

Earlier this month, Peter and his wife, Maureen Clary, HFHSTW President/CEO, attended the White House Christmas Reception where they had a chance to confirm Jenna and Barbara’s plans to visit the New Orleans area with their friends for New Year’s Eve.  “We can’t wait to come,” said Jenna.  “I hope you will let me use power tools!”

Traci, a nurse in the D.C. area, was eager to learn more about the Northshore as she helped build the window headers for one of the homes along side of her friends.  “Driving across the lake this morning was an eye-opener as we saw how the need for Habitat homes goes far beyond the city; it’s impressive to see how much is being accomplished over here in this community.”

Annie, a University of Virginia graduate, was glad she could be a part of the building team; “volunteering with Habitat has always been something I wanted to do – it’s great to see how working together really does make a difference!”

Habitat homeowners, Myesha Anderson and her grandmother, Elizabeth Anderson were onsite to participate in the framing of their new homes.  The two families were excited and appreciative to have the opportunity to talk with Jenna and Barbara as well as the rest of the crew during the construction lunch break.

“What a great way to bring in the new year,” said Mrs. Anderson.  “Each day brings me closer to my dream of moving into this home.  We are so blessed to have these young people give of their time to help us.”

Her great-grandson, Malik, who will live next door with his parents and two siblings is looking forward to decorating his new bedroom as well.  “I want to decorate the room in green & gold because I like Brett Favre, but I’m definitely a Saints fan too!”

The Bush sisters had fun getting to know the families, and decided to make a tree-swing for the Anderson children during the break; testing it out at the end of the day made the work even more special for the party of friends.  “It’s very special to me to have known Jenna and Barbara as young children, and to see what great young women they have grown to be.  To gather your friends together to spend your New Year’s Eve building homes for families in need is a testament to their spirit of generosity,” said Peter Link.

Pat Brister, Board chair & U.N. Ambassador, presented Jenna and Barbara with pink HFHSTW  tool bags filled with Tomboy tools, encouraging them to return to the Northshore for Women Build 2008 on March 10th-22nd.  “We had a wonderful experience, and we’ve already called our mom to see if we can get Women Build on all our calendars,” said Barbara.

The initial cost of construction for these two homes was covered by the generous contributions to HFHSTW by donor sponsors, Lakeview Regional Medical Center and Charles Schwab.  Please contact Angela Latino-Geier, Director of Development, at 985.893.3172 if you would like more information on giving opportunities to Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West

This build was part of the Habitat for Humanity St. Tammany West Help Us Go Another 100 Yards Campaign.

HFHSTW, founded in 1981 as the first Habitat affiliate in Louisiana & the tenth in the U.S., is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating substandard housing.

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