Lafayette Home Rebuilding 2026

Since historic flooding devastated much of southwest Louisiana in 2016, the Lafayette Region has partnered with Catholic Charities of Acadiana (CCA) and Rebuilding Together Acadiana (RTA) to help rebuild the homes and lives of those affected by hurricanes, flooding, natural disasters, and poverty.  In February, rebuilding volunteers from throughout the Federal Association gathered for the 11^th consecutive year of home rebuilding in Lafayette and surrounding parishes. This year also marked the 21^st consecutive year of the Order of Malta’s rebuilding work in Louisiana, dating back to Hurricane Katrina in 2005. 

Each Lafayette Region rebuilding week is organized to serve disadvantaged homeowners and to build Catholic community within our volunteers. This 2026 rebuilding week brought together more than 30 knights and dames and other volunteers in prayer, service, and fellowship, as we worked on two homes in the Lafayette Parish. Skill levels ranged from unskilled to experienced carpenters. Our partners at CCA and RTA worked with us to select homes that matched the numbers and skill sets of our volunteers. RTA then planned the scope of work, assigned project managers and, through CCA, ordered the building materials needed. At the end of the rebuilding week, the Lafayette Region reimbursed CCA for much of the costs of these building materials with the assistance of a generous grant from the Federal Association.

As always, the most important part of the week was serving the homeowners themselves. When the houses were selected, the homeowners themselves were selected too. Without exception, each homeowner had been on a list, waiting, hoping, and praying for this moment. Each selection represented not just walls and roofs but the possibility of a fresh start. Our volunteers entered the lives of these homeowners and helped to restore hope and dignity. Our work in their homes was a beautiful witness to the Order of Malta’s mission and an answer to Christ’s call to serve “the least of these.”

Watching the rebuilding program develop over time, it is no coincidence seeing how this work now serves well beyond just the homeowners we assist.  Our rebuilding efforts were covered by all the local television stations, newspapers, and social media. This service creates excitement in our community, encouraging others to find ways to serve the less fortunate. We hear it from friends and colleagues, parishioners, and even strangers who see or read about the rebuilding and want to find ways that they can become more engaged in helping others.