WHY NEW ORLEANS?

Although Katrina was the event that brought the attention of many to New Orleans, this project is not about Katrina. The contaminated soil conditions existed before the storm. New Orleans is the second most lead-contaminated city in the U.S. and FUNDRED is specifically dedicated to supporting an updated, scientifically verified, solution to creating a lead-safe environment. At its essence, FUNDRED supports the recovery of this degraded soil by means of a major landscape project with the code name PAYDIRT.

Katrina scattered the citizens of New Orleans all over the country and we now have an opportunity to address the degraded soil so the people of New Orleans can return to a healthier environment. If New Orleans can change its environment it can serve as a model and perhaps offer the solution to other cities.

WHY ARE WE FOCUSING ON CHILDREN?

Children are the most vulnerable to these degraded environmental realities and children do not have a say in the matter. FUNDRED gathers the voices of the children who were scattered when evacuated and is a vehicle to deliver the powerful collective expression of all participating children.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE EXCHANGE OF FUNDRED FOR FUNDING IS DENIED?

Even now we are researching various existing funding sources that support projects such as PAYDIRT. We are not simply looking for funds but also in-kind services and other resources (e.g. job creation). That said, this project is more than a soil recovery program; it is an avenue for expression, a valuable teaching tool, and a contribution to a recovery effort all at once.

Regardless of outcomes, Paydirt will have offered a pragmatic method for meaningful recovery and healthier future. FUNDRED will have delivered a consolidated message of awareness and empathy for the plight of a devastated city.