Restoring Home Devastated by Hurricane Laura

Lake Charles, LA

Hurricane Laura was a category 4 when it struck Lake Charles, Louisiana. Many people’s lives were spared because they evacuated, but when they returned home, they found themselves in another type of storm. Georgiana Ardoin’s home was heavily damaged inside and out.

Georgiana explained, “There were trees everywhere, there was devastation everywhere. It was horrible. It looked horrible.”

Insurance will cover the damage to the house, but not their yard. They had no idea how they were going remove all the downed trees and other debris themselves. Then Operation Blessing arrived.

Georgiana said, “First of all, I couldn't even believe it, and then it was such a warm, welcoming feeling. It was so many of you, and you came prepared to work! You had your own wheelbarrows, you had your own saws, you had your own everything, rakes, and you all just got after it. You just started working.”

Volunteers removed all the downed trees, shingles and other debris in a matter of hours; something that could have taken Georgiana and her family months to do on their own.

“I want to thank everyone who has given to Operation Blessing,” said Georgiana with tears in her eyes. “I'm so very grateful for you. Thank you so very much. And I don't want to cry, but that's just how I feel. I’m, I'm just that grateful.”