The Beacon of Hope Resource Center an approved non-profit 501(c) corporation, was founded by Lakewood South homeowners, Denise and Doug Thornton on February 14, 2006. Located at 5475 Bellaire Drive in New Orleans this once flooded home served as a refuge for weary neighbors and a lifeline for all homeowners who seek information and resources to rebuild their devastated homes in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Our mission is to assist all homeowners in the City of New Orleans in the rebuilding process of their beloved homes and provide a sanctuary to neighbors looking for a way back home.

The Beacon of Hope Resource Center is a grass roots organization taking pro-active measures to rebuild neighborhoods. Our neighborhoods are vital and essential to the rebuilding of the City of New Orleans. The Beacon of Hope is accomplishing its mission and has expanded by opening new Super Beacon locations not only in the Lake Area, but Gentilly and Lower 9th Ward as well. Millions of dollars have been spent by the government and other organizations in studying the problems and planning meetings, while the Beacon of Hope, on a shoestring budget from donations, and an army of local and national volunteers, have put boots on the ground to begin the massive clean-up, provide guidance, and create a hospitable environment to encourage homeowners to return to this unique American city.

The Beacon of Hope Resource Center is committed to rebuilding communities and are reaching out to their surrounding neighborhoods as they become viable and give them valuable resources and assistance to help each other rebuild. Millions of dollars have been raised on our behalf, but two 1/2 years later, many homes remain blighted. There are still dead trees have not been removed, street lights are still out in many areas and many of our storm drains are broken or missing covers. Our goal is to fill the gap and help New Orleanians begin the recovery and rebuilding process now.

The Beacon of Hope Resource Centers address residential concerns facing residents, prospective residents and homeowners who have not yet decided to return. We strive to make a difference in our community by providing information to residents and acting as a communication link between city agencies in restoring services and utilities such as mail delivery, electricity, sewerage and water, cable, telephone, debris and trash removal and educational seminars on mold remediation, contractor contracts, etc. We have also developed a complete array of local contractors and professional service companies, including general contractors, architects, structural engineers, mold inspectors, mold remediators, plumbers, electricians, alarm and communication technicians, pool cleaners, landscapers, etc. We have developed good working relationships with these companies and they provide quality work at reasonable prices giving a pre-Katrina level of comfort to all homeowners who seek their services.

The Beacon of Hope enhances our quality of life, strengthens our ability as a group to solve our own problems and facilitates the rebirth of our beloved neighborhoods. We are "Leading The Way Home"