Photo by Eric Rejman

STS9 began a ‘Make It Right’ drive in 2009, looking to raise enough money to build a house in New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, which was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. The group raised the money a variety of ways including a remix compilation and by offering special soundcheck meet and greets. The band now reports that the house is completed and the keys have been handed over to the deserving family that will occupy the new residence.

A statement from the band explains:

We are beyond excited to announce that the “House that STS9 Built” with the help of our amazing fans in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans is complete! A local family just closed on the house last week and have started to move in. The deserving family rented all their lives in the Lower 9th Ward, raising three sons. The husband has earned a living working as a carpenter for local construction companies and churches while his wife has worked at a popular store in the French Quarter for 15 years. The husband did not evacuate during Katrina. He stayed with the family dog, living in the attic for nearly 3 weeks. He watched boats float by, offering to rescue and take him to safety. He declined, not being able to say goodbye to his home and his neighborhood. It took police officers escorting him out at gunpoint for him to finally leave. They have been through hell. Today however, they are a resilient, stronger, and even hopeful family. The family is beyond grateful to STS9, their fans, and Make It Right.

Their MIR home is a dream is finally come true.

The home comes with many eco-friendly features, including solar panels, high efficiency HVAC system, wire-free lighting panels, tankless water heater, dual flush toilets, low e windows & doors, a rainwater collection system and water absorbing native landscaping. And, for future storms, the home comes equipped with walls that can withstand 130mph winds, kevlar hurricane shields for the windows and a roof hatch in case an escape is necessary.

Please enjoy the images that STS9 photographer Eric Rejman took of the completed house on a recent trip to New Orleans. It’s truly amazing what we can build when we all pitch in together – and here is the proof. Thanks again to the artists, friends & family who donated their time, energy and art to “Peaceblaster: The New Orleans Make it Right Remixes” – the centerpiece of this fund drive. And most especially, thanks to all the fans who participated in our various fundraising efforts over the past few years, and who came out to see the band and in turn supported a great cause. Couldn’t do it without y’all. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You!