Jericho Road Staff Members Participate in Green Design Charrette

Jericho Road staff members, in collaboration with local architects and representatives from green housing expert Global Green USA, participated in the organization’s first green design charrette on February 18th. Walker Wells, editor and co-author of Global Green’s book “Blueprint for Greening Affordable Housing”, facilitated the charrette and led a thorough discussion of green building techniques and materials, and the widespread benefits they provide to communities and homeowners.

Executive Director Brad Powers said, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this charrette with local and national housing professionals. Together, we are developing a comprehensive plan that allows us to offer a healthier home environment for new homeowners while reducing their overall utility costs. We plan to implement these new cutting-edge design strategies as part of our goal to become an affordable housing leader, not only in New Orleans but, ultimately, nationwide.”

Participation in the charrette further demonstrates Jericho Road’s continued commitment to provide affordable, energy efficient housing for new homeowners in Central City. Staff members learned how the organization can incorporate green components in its new homes while maintaining the modest home design preferred by residents throughout the historic Central City neighborhood.

According to Walker Wells, Global Green representative and charrette facilitator, it is important that home developers take into consideration the existing community context by using a holistic and total-systems approach to the development process. He said, “Jericho Road’s community revitalization efforts in Central City are impressive and encouraging. The organization’s commitment to the health and overall wellbeing of new homeowners sets a high standard for nonprofit housing organizations around the country, and I am pleased to be a part of helping them achieve success in their rebuilding efforts.”

The charrette was made possible by the assistance of Green Communities, the nonprofit program launched in 2004 by Enterprise Community Partners, Inc., a national leader in community development and affordable housing. The Green Communities program offers charrette grants of up to $5,000 to assist housing developers with integrating green building systems in their developments and engaging in serious discussions of green design possibilities.

Jericho Road Welcomes New Staff Members

Jericho Road is pleased to announce the addition of two staff members: Michael Robinson, Neighborhood Coordinator, and Colleen Connor, Development Director.

Michael Robinson grew up in Dallas, Texas and moved to New Orleans shortly after graduating from high school. While attending Xavier University, he was an active member of several community service organizations and advocacy groups, including the university's chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
 
As a college student, Michael began working with Urban Impact, a Christian ministry in New Orleans dedicated to transforming the Central City neighborhood through spiritual development, Christian community development and strategic partnerships. After serving as a youth volunteer and summer intern, Michael decided that he wanted to play a larger role in the organization and spent the next five years leading Urban Impact's junior high and high school youth programs.
 
Serving on several planning and rebuilding boards throughout New Orleans, Michael has built partnerships with various organizations in the Central City community. He started a financial management class for adults and hosted a job training program for those seeking better employment opportunities.
 
Michael is dedicated to building communities and improving the quality of life for Central City families through neighborhood involvement. As Neighborhood Coordinator, he will serve as the liaison between Jericho Road and the Central City community, addressing the needs of residents and organizing neighborhood activities.

A native Mississippian, Colleen Connor recently moved to New Orleans from Charleston, South Carolina where she attended The College of Charleston and worked with a variety of nonprofit organizations for over five years.

Working as a Public Relations and Marketing professional for several years, Colleen began focusing her efforts on the nonprofit sector. She was involved with over 18 organizations focused on various areas including: the Arts, the green movement, animal shelters, advocacy groups, after-school programs and historic preservation. Prior to moving to New Orleans, Colleen created her own independent PR and Marketing firm, The Connor Company, serving more than 10 clients in the hospitality, retail and nonprofit industries in the Charleston area.

As Development Director, Colleen will be responsible for developing relationships with Jericho Road supporters and researching the available foundations, grants and resources that provide Jericho Road with the support it needs to achieve the goal of community revitalization.