Neal and Debra Dupar

Neal and Debra Dupar both grew up in the Lower 9th Ward; Neal on Reynes Street and Debra on Gordon Street. Hurricane Katrina ripped through the Gulf Coast in 2005 and forced them to relocate near Alexandria. Three years following the catastrophe, Neal and Debra Dupar and their five children want to get back home to the Lower 9th Ward.

The family of seven traveled to north Louisiana ahead of Hurricane Katrina and stayed with relatives. The Dupars did not pack many clothes because they figured they would return soon after the storm passed. Once the storm subsided, however, the levees broke and washed away the Dupar’s home and all of its contents.

Neal and Debra Dupar settled into trailers—donated by a philanthropist from Canada—in the small town of Simmesport and worked hard to make the best of their situation. Neal found employment and the kids enrolled in school or found jobs. As more family members started to return to the city of New Orleans, Neal and Debra began to long for home again.

On a trip back to New Orleans, the Dupars visited their old neighborhood. “I rode down there and saw them building Ms. Gloria’s house (Gloria Guy is a Make It Right program participant),” said Debra. Make It Right representatives spoke with the Dupars onsite and invited them to the office to talk more about how the organization could help the family return home.

Make It Right assisted Neal and Debra in selecting a home that fit their budget and needs. The Dupars chose the four bedroom Trahan home design by Baton Rouge-based Trahan Architects. The family will move into their new home in July.

Neal and Debra are excited about the prospect of returning home to the Lower 9th Ward. “I loved it,” said Debra. “I liked the shaded trees; you could go sit outside any time of the day. We had the best street,” she beamed. The Dupars say the return could not come at a better time as they have begun to tire of the long commute to the grocery store and school. “At home, in the Lower 9th Ward, the schools were much closer. I could walk there because I don’t drive,” said Debra.

The Dupars are grateful for the opportunity to work with Make It Right. “I think this program is wonderful,” said Debra. “It’s great to get everyone back to the city. Neal’s mother is right around the corner.”

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