New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward was among the hardest hit areas of the Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. In the days immediately following the hurricane, this area became submerged in up to 10 feet of water for three weeks – following a massive levee break nearby. Nearly 6,000 residents of the Lower Ninth’s historic Holy Cross Neighborhood were displaced, along with numerous schools, churches and businesses. Much of this area has never flooded before. Fewer than 20 percent of the residents have been able to return to their homes nearly two years after the hurricane and flooding. Yet Holy Cross has attracted the attention and support of many national figures and organizations, creating a unprecedented “perfect storm” of sustainability: Development of Sustainable Restoration Plan for Holy Cross/Lower Ninth Ward International Sustainable Design Competition [Global Green & Brad Pitt] Donation of complete rooftop solar panels to area residents, turning these historic homes into models of energy efficiency Opening of the Lower Ninth Ward Center for Sustainable Engagement & Development “STEP IT UP” Day of Climate Action (the first of 1,400 events nationally) The Bayou Bienvenue Restoration Project: to restore a coastal cypress wetlands (possible carbon banking project) Also: national demonstration projects planned for green deconstruction, bioremediation, model sustainable homes, urban forestry, mass transit, and much more This inspiring multi-media presentation will show how Holy Cross plans to rebuild as a sustainable, energy independent community of the future – and a shining example for the nation as a whole.