Common Ground & EPCO: United To Serve The People
By Erica Boni
After Common Ground’s first wave of volunteers who stayed at 1800 Deslonde occurred last October, it became apparent that more bathrooms and showers would be necessary to accommodate future volunteers.
Sam Offenberg , CG’s former Volunteer Coordinator, and Director of Operations,Tom Pepper, talked with several contractors to determine the cost of the necessary renovations. It would also be imperative to obtain building permits and ensure that the construction work would be done to code.
Common Ground representatives met with EPCO Construction principles and determined that the quality of their work, plus an interest in partnering with Common Ground for its job training program, made the company a perfect fit.
The organization is currently involved in renovation projects throughout New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward and has determined it is crucial to recommend an honest competent licensed general contractor to the residents CG is aiding. The organization is recommending EPCO to all homeowners who approach it as this contractor is able to complete projects in a timely fashion. The work is also done inexpensively and EPCO is experienced in plumbing and electrical work as well as in construction. Homeowners cannot begin working on the interior of their homes until the electrical and plumbing systems are in place and have been inspected by the City of New Orleans, making these qualities all the more significant.
The necessity of working in accordance with the laws of the state cannot be taken lightly. In Miami, following Hurricane Andrew, out of immediate necessity, homeowners began renovation work. Several years after the storm, code officials, building and zoning authorities began fining homeowners for un-permitted work and subsequently issued demolition orders on the properties. Common Ground has partnered with EPCO to prevent a similar tragedy from affecting the Katrina affected homeowners of New Orleans.
CG’s first project with EPCO—the renovation of 1800—began in late January after the holiday rush of volunteers had departed and the house was empty. In addition to bringing the building to code, toilets were added and the mechanical/electrical systems were updated, preparing the building for multi-functionality to both live in volunteers, as well as for the new Anita Roddick Advocacy Center offices.
It is important that Common Ground’s donors and supporters are aware of the incentives behind partnering with EPCO. Each decision that involves spending donated funds is preceded by careful planning and consideration. After witnessing the possible detriment caused when home owners fail to use licensed general contractors, Common Ground has celebrated the fruitful coalition of two entities genuinely concerned about the stability of the community.
*******************************************************************
The author can be contacted at: bonzita@gmail.com