SBP and the Louisiana Just Recovery Network Collaborate to Build Back Better

When disasters strike, it’s often the same communities—those with fewer resources and deeper histories of disinvestment—that are hit the hardest and recover the slowest. That is why SBP is proud to partner with the Louisiana Just Recovery Network (LJRN), a community-rooted organization working to ensure that disaster recovery in Southeast Louisiana is resilient—and just.

Since 2021, SBP and LJRN’s collaboration has helped communities strengthen disaster preparedness, response, and long-term recovery.  Their joint efforts have built not only homes, but also strong community networks,  trust, local  capacity, and a strong foundation for a more resilient, just recovery across Southeast Louisiana.

Meeting Communities Where They Are

SBP’s partnership with LJRN began shortly after Hurricane Ida devastated parts of southeastern Louisiana. SBP was invited to visit families impacted by the storm in their homes, churches, and gathering spaces in Norco, Cutoff, and St.Rose, communities with rich histories and deep ties to the land. Here, recovery is not  just about rebuilding structures, it is  about protecting culture, family, and history.

Expanding Capacity and Investing in Resilience

Over the years, SBP has supported LJRN with direct funding, technical assistance, and training—helping local leaders respond more effectively to meet both immediate and long-term needs. From muck-and-gut safety and FEMA appeals to volunteer coordination and mold suppression, SBP provided foundational resources and expertise to enhance LJRN’s impact.

Through a series of grants totaling more than $375,000, SBP and LJRN have successfully repaired or rebuilt 81 homes, many of which belonged to elderly residents and families recovering not just from Hurricane Ida (2021) but also Hurricane Francine (2024).  

One of those homes belonged to Audrey Hawkins. Built by her grandfather in the 1880s, Audrey’s family home was torn apart by Hurricane Ida. Working hand in hand together, SBP, LJRN, Descendants Project, Orphan Grain Train, Rebuilding Hope New Orleans, and the Hawkins family rebuilt the home, allowing four generations to return to the place they have always called home.

“Partnering with LJRN and learning about FORTIFIED has changed the way I work. I became certified and now install FORTIFIED roofs across my community. Improved homes improve lives.”

— Jeff, a local builder and community activist

Leading the Way on Fortified Roofing

Even before Louisiana launched its statewide Fortified Roofing Program in 2023, SBP introduced LJRN to the concept. By providing early funding and training in partnership with the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety (IBHS) and Smart Home America, SBP helped LJRN integrate FORTIFIED standards into their recovery efforts.

Local contractors not only learned new standards but also embraced them as a way to uplift the quality of life in their communities. Fortified roofs provide far more than just structural upgrades, they keep families safer by resisting high winds, preventing water intrusion during storms, and reducing costly damage from flying debris. They also extend the lifespan of roofs, cut down on long-term repair costs, and can even lower insurance premiums for homeowners. In storm prone areas like Lousisana’s bayou region, these protective benefits create stronger communities, reduce displacement, and provide families with greater peace of mind. 

“As a contractor for the last 30 years, I’ve seen too many families have to cut corners because they lacked resources,” said Jeff, a local builder and community activist. “Partnering with LJRN and learning about FORTIFIED has changed the way I work. I became certified and now install FORTIFIED roofs across my community. Improved homes improve lives.”

Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Storms

Preparedness has also been a key focus of the partnership. In 2023 and 2024, SBP worked with LJRN to distribute disaster preparedness kits and materials—reaching more than 3,500 households across eight parishes in Southeast Louisiana. These materials included SBP’s “5 Key Preparedness Actions” and “Building a Disaster Kit on a Budget” guides, available in both English and Spanish.

“The SBP Prepare Team was awesome to work with,” said LJRN Executive Director Toi Carter. “They helped us choose the right materials and supported us on a tight timeline. This is what true partnership looks like.”

In 2025, the partnership evolved to support LJRN’s Luv N Prep Workshop, an annual event designed to equip and recharge community leaders. What was once a distribution event has grown into a gathering for collaboration, learning, and healing. With over 60 participants from nonprofit organizations across the Gulf South, the workshop featured sessions on disaster preparedness for community leaders, emotional resilience, mental health, and LJRN’s community-based disaster response model.

“The SBP Prepare Team was awesome to work with. They helped us choose the right materials and supported us on a tight timeline. This is what true partnership looks like.”

— LJRN Executive Director Toi Carter

Navigating Appeals with Local Support

For many families, the difference between a livable home and prolonged displacement comes down to whether they can successfully appeal a FEMA disaster assistance award decision. Through SBP’s Disaster Assistance Program, the partnership has also ensured that families have the support they need to navigate the complex FEMA appeal process.

LJRN staff provide boots-on-the-ground support, collecting necessary documentation, especially for residents who lacked internet access or familiarity with the process, while SBP’s remote team prepared and submitted appeals.

Between 2022 and 2025, this collaboration led to 24 FEMA appeals filed for survivors, helping them unlock more than $275,000 in additional funding—an average increase of 83 percent from their original awards. These efforts helped families secure the financial resources they needed to return home and move forward.

A Model for Community-Rooted Recovery

This partnership demonstrates what is possible when national capacity meets local expertise. As disasters grow more frequent and severe, this kind of partnership is not only effective—it is also essential.

“My 92 year old father’s house was in dire need of having the roof replaced. I am so grateful for Louisiana Just Recovery Network and SBP stepping up to help maintain a comfortable place for my dad to live,” said client Larry S. “He was very grateful for your assistance and I saw first hand how you guys lifted his spirits and gave him a new life.” –

This partnership delivered immediate relief and long-term investment to communities that have too often been overlooked. Whether rebuilding a historic family home, preparing residents for the next storm, or helping a 92-year-old father remain safely housed, this partnership continues to show that community-rooted recovery isn’t just necessary—it’s achievable.

As disaster risks increase, SBP and LJRN remain committed to ensuring that all communities are ready and equipped to strengthen their resilience.