New Orleans, La. (May 5) – Sen. Mary L. Landrieu (D-La.) today participated in a New Orleans Area Habitat For Humanity house build as part of the Houses the Senate Built, a project designed to raise awareness nationwide of Habitat's efforts and goals.

"Habitat For Humanity's volunteers and sponsors provide opportunities for families in the New Orleans area and all over Louisiana to work towards home ownership," Sen. Landrieu said. "The beauty of Habitat For Humanity is that it is a way to build affordable, decent housing with – not for – the families who need it most. It's not a hand out, it's a way to give a helping hand to families who are willing to work for their dream, but simply cannot do it alone."

The New Orleans event started at 2:30 p.m. at 7860 Sun Street in the Little Woods neighborhood.

Sen. Landrieu, a long-time supporter of Habitat For Humanity, was one of six original cosponsors of Senate Resolution 319, which established The Houses the Senate Built. The goal of the partnership between the senators and Habitat is for members of the Senate, their families and staff to join local Habitat affiliates, homeowner families, volunteers and sponsors to build simple, affordable housing in every state during 2001. In March, a group of about 20 bipartisan senators joined together to kick off the program by working on two Habitat houses near the U.S. Capitol.

"The Senate may be evenly divided along party lines, but we share a common desire to eliminate substandard housing and provide home ownership opportunities for all Americans," said Sen. Landrieu. "Providing a home for a family means helping to build a future for a child. It means creating a safer, more secure environment for families that helps them build wealth and break the cycle of poverty."

In addition to being designated as part of the Houses The Senate Built, today's build also is a Women Build. Numerous women community leaders are expected to participate in the event, including Judge Madeline Landrieu, Judge Camille Buras, Public Service Commissioner Irma Dixon, Louisiana Rep. Karen Carter, Rep. Diana Bajoe, and City Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis.

This is Sen. Landrieu's second time to participate in a Louisiana Habitat build since the Houses the Senate Built project started earlier this year. In April, she was part of a groundbreaking ceremony for the Shreveport Habitat affiliate's 25th build.

Providing decent, affordable housing is a priority in the New Orleans area where 32 percent of the population lives below poverty level, and about 41 percent of renters cannot afford fair market value of rent in the area.