Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Communities
In the chaotic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the world witnessed an unprecedented level of destruction in New Orleans. While emergency responders managed the immediate crises, many residents found themselves adrift in a sea of uncertainty, with no clear roadmap to recovery. It was in this context that SBP (formerly known as St. Bernard Project) emerged, founded in 2006 in St. Bernard Parish, New Orleans, with a singular mission: to shrink the time between disaster and recovery for vulnerable populations. Nearly two decades later, SBP has rebuilt over 6,300 homes across 16 U.S. communities and The Bahamas , demonstrating its unwavering commitment to helping families and communities reclaim their lives after disasters. The organization's pioneering approaches to disaster recovery—coupled with a relentless focus on efficiency, resilience, and empathy—have positioned it as a national leader in long-term recovery efforts. An Eye-Opening Beginning "After Katrina, there was a pervasive sense that recovery was something the United States could handle with ease," explains Andy Stofleth, SBP Senior Director of Recovery Programs. "But when our founders began working in St. Bernard Parish, they encountered a different reality: families living in attics, standing in line for food, and languishing without a path forward."
Recovery, the organization understood, was neither fast nor predictable, especially for low-capacity communities. "There’s an entirely different kind of trauma that comes from waiting for years after a disaster, not knowing when things will return to normal,” Andy continues. "We saw the opportunity to rethink disaster recovery—to shrink the timeline and reduce suffering for those most vulnerable."
The Mission to Shrink Recovery Timelines
This stark realization shaped SBP's mission.
SBP’s efforts go beyond rebuilding. They also guide governments, nonprofits, and local contractors to maximize recovery resources. "We don’t just rebuild homes; we rebuild systems," Andy adds. "We teach state and municipal governments how to navigate complex federal funding processes and scale their recovery efforts efficiently." Innovative Approaches: Toyota's Influence One of SBP’s most unique attributes is its partnership with Toyota. Applying Toyota’s Production System principles to disaster recovery, SBP has optimized its processes for efficiency and predictability.
SBP’s core mission is to address the often- overlooked gap between immediate disaster response and long-term recovery. While federal funding through HUD’s Community Development Block Grants for Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) can take years to reach communities, SBP aims to mobilizes resources within 90 days of a disaster to begin rebuilding homes for those in greatest need after federally-declared disasters. "Where government funding takes years, SBP provides a pathway to recovery almost immediately," says Andy. "Our work ensures that the most vulnerable—elderly residents, single mothers, and families without insurance —don’t have to wait in limbo for years."
Andy Stofleth | Senior Director
"We’ve re-engineered how homes are rebuilt after disasters," explains Andy. "From intake to document collection, scoping, bidding, and construction, we’ve streamlined every step to provide families with a predictable timeline for returning home." This approach not only accelerates recovery but also allows SBP to scale its impact. "Our goal is to replicate these methods across communities so that every nonprofit or government agency working on disaster recovery can operate with the same efficiency," Andy notes. A Holistic Recovery Model While rebuilding homes is central to SBP’s work, the organization’s model extends far beyond construction. SBP addresses the full spectrum of recovery needs, offering everything from FEMA appeals support to community resilience training. "For families navigating the aftermath of disasters, the challenges go beyond housing,” Andy explains. “We act as a one-stop shop and offer wraparound services. This holistic approach ensures families can rebuild not only their homes but also their lives." SBP’s impact extends to systemic change as well. Through its Disaster Resilience Fellows program, SBP places trained advisors in under-resourced communities to help them secure federal grants for mitigation and recovery efforts. In Lake Charles, Louisiana, for instance, an SBP fellow helped community leaders secure $40 million in federal funding for long-term recovery.
One of SBP’s guiding principles is to build more resiliently, reducing the risk of future damage. "We’re not just repairing homes; we’re fortifying them," Andy emphasizes. A key part of this strategy is the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety’s Fortified Roof Program. "For a few hundred dollars extra, we can install roofs that withstand high winds and prevent water intrusion," Andy says. "It’s a small investment that makes a huge difference in protecting families and their homes." innovative materials like PVC kitchen cabinets, which are waterproof, mold-resistant, and reusable after flooding. "Using resilient materials not only reduces rebuilding costs but also minimizes waste," Andy explains. "It’s a win for families, the environment, and the recovery process." SBP also incorporates Building Resilience, Not Just Homes Collaborative Relationships with Local Contractors SBP’s approach to subcontractors and trades is built on mutual respect and partnership. "We rely on local contractors to inject money back into disaster- impacted economies,” says Andy.
“We provide them with predictable work and, in return, ask them to meet us halfway on pricing." This collaboration ensures that SBP’s rebuilding efforts are both cost-effective and community driven. "Contractors in these areas often share our mission to help their neighbors recover, and their willingness to work with us allows us to stretch our dollars further," Andy adds. High-Impact Projects SBP’s work spans a wide range of recovery initiatives, but a few standout projects highlight the organization’s innovative and far-reaching impact. One such project is the St. Peter Residential Complex, a 50-unit mixed- income, net-zero affordable housing development in New Orleans. "This complex, powered by 450 solar panels, remained operational during Hurricane Ida, even when the rest of the city lost power," Andy explains. "It’s a model for how affordable housing can be both resilient and sustainable." SBP’s Fortified Roof Program is another high-impact initiative. In 2023 alone, the organization installed 90 fortified roofs, providing families with greater protection against future storms. A Future of Growth and Impact
Looking ahead, SBP is focused on scaling its efforts to meet the increasing frequency and severity of disasters. "We’re expanding our Disaster Resilience Fellows program to place more advisors in vulnerable communities,” Andy shares. “These fellows help communities access federal funding before disasters strike, ensuring they’re better prepared for recovery." Another key initiative is SBP’s Recovery Acceleration Fund, which provides bridge loans to homeowners who lack the means to rebuild on their own after federally declared disasters in communities that are approved for CDBG-DR grants. "This program allows us to begin construction while waiting for federal reimbursements, cutting years off recovery timelines," Andy explains.
SBP is also committed to ongoing research and development to identify resilient building materials and methods that can be implemented cost-effectively. "We’re constantly innovating to ensure we’re building better, smarter, and more sustainably," Andy says.
“We act as a one-stop shop and offer wraparound services. This holistic approach ensures families can rebuild not only their homes but also their lives."
Through their work, communities are not just rebuilt—they are transformed, fortified, and empowered to face the future. Keep reading to learn how you can collaborate with SBP on future restoration projects and play a vital role in helping communities reclaim their lives after disaster strikes. SBP's mission thrives on the support of individuals and organizations dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by catastrophic events. By partnering with SBP, you can contribute to rebuilding homes, restoring hope, and creating lasting change. To find out more about SBP’s initiatives and the transformative work they’re leading, please visit: sbpusa.org.
A Call to Action
As disasters become more frequent and severe, SBP’s work is more critical than ever. "Recovery isn’t just about rebuilding homes; it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and stability," Andy reflects. "But we can’t do it alone. Partnerships across the public and private sectors are essential to creating a more predictable and equitable recovery process." With its innovative methods, collaborative spirit, and a steadfast focus on vulnerable populations, SBP is redefining what disaster recovery can—and should—look like. In a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty, SBP offers a beacon of resilience.
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