Founded in 1976 as a private, nonprofit housing corporation, NHS aims to revitalize New Orleans neighborhoods and engage in comprehensive community development in targeted neighborhoods to improve the quality of life and promote commercial redevelopment.

In collaboration with NHS, AmeriCorps members will go into neighborhoods that were severely affected, but not devastated by Katrina. The members will engage in numerous projects to help recreate a sense of community, inspiring residents to defend the integrity of their neighborhoods and rebuild their homes. In particular, members will work in a small, rural/suburban community with a population of less than 10,000 and one poverty-stricken neighborhood of predominately African Americans. In addition, the city is committed to engaging in a community-building effort to support the development of a new land use plan. NHS of New Orleans will help in these efforts and in implementing resident education and association strengthening.