Staff Member Helps Katrina Victims Rebuild

Posted in People on September 23 2008, by Plant Talk

Written by Kate Murphy, a junior at Fordham University, with additional reporting by Genna Federico, a senior at St. John’s University. Both interned in the Communications Dept. this summer.

The recent devastation caused by hurricanes Gustav and Ike brought back memories of the catastrophe wrought by Katrina. But that hurricane, which hit Louisiana in 2005, was already on the mind of Mark Cupkovic, Associate VP for Operations at NYBG, who spent his summer vacation working with Habitat for Humanity helping to rebuild homes in New Orleans.

Mark learned about the opportunity through an international humanitarian organization, International Orthodox Christian Charities, which has been working with Habitat for Humanity on a 23-week program in New Orleans. Mark, trained as a carpenter, jumped at the chance to participate in this effort along with his son, Jac.

Mark and Jac met the rest of their team and team leader at the airport. After a good night’s rest, they spent their first full day of the trip getting acquainted with New Orleans and seeing where the city stands today, three years after the disaster.

The team first visited the areas that were hardest hit, such as the northeast section of the city and the lower ninth ward. They also viewed the levees, most of which broke during the hurricane, causing the flooding. Musicians’ Village, an area reconstructed by Habitat for Humanity in hopes of bringing musicians back to the area, served as a positive example of reconstruction and rebuilding.

Mark and Jac spent the next five days working in an area with six houses under construction, all in different stages of completion. They also encountered temperatures in the 90s every day, with about 97 percent humidity on top of that! Everyone received a tool belt and went to work. Mark, with 25 years of experience, took a leadership role, looking at the house plans and organizing work flow. People of all different experience levels volunteered, each finding a way to contribute. They even were fortunate to work alongside the family that will be living in one of the houses. Mark said the family was extremely thankful for all of the volunteers’ help.

Mark stressed that the sum total of the group is much greater than anything someone could do alone. Slowly but surely, the group saw their progress grow before their eyes—the house was being built. And while Mark says the experience left an impact on him, he says the change in Jac is incredible. They both hope to return to New Orleans someday.