What Lowernine does

Lowernine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2007 and headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, that focuses on long-tail disaster recovery in the Lower 9th Ward, the neighborhood hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina flooding. The organization rebuilds residential properties for low-income homeowners and runs complementary community programs including the Levee Food Pantry (launched 2020) and the Pearl Milling Program. It is preparing to launch Stone Soup NOLA in 2026. Since founding, Lowernine has fully rebuilt more than 98 homes, completed over 400 repair projects, distributed more than 800,000 pounds of food to over 2,625 households through its pantry, and mobilized more than 15,000 volunteers.

The operating model is volunteer-powered construction supported by in-kind material donations and skilled volunteer labor, which enables the organization to deliver rebuilds at approximately 30% of prevailing market construction cost. Material inputs are sourced through partnerships with national home improvement retailers and manufacturers, including The Home Depot, Lowe's, and James Hardie; food program supply relies on Second Harvest Food Bank and a branded partnership with Pearl Milling Company. The organization maintains a small staff of 1-10 employees supplemented by field volunteers, and is led by Executive Director Laura Paul, who has held the role since 2011.

The revenue model is grant- and donation-driven rather than commercial. Funding sources include individual donors, foundation grants (notably GNOF), corporate contributions and in-kind sponsorships, and municipal partnership with the City of New Orleans. As a registered 501(c)(3), Lowernine publishes Form 990 filings; specific contribution totals were not disclosed in the available data. The beneficiary base is concentrated in a single geography (Southeast Louisiana / Lower 9th Ward), while the donor and partner base is comparatively diversified across foundations, corporates, and municipal sources.

Name

Lowernine

Legal name

lowernine.org

Website

https://lowernine.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Lowernine is a New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2007 that mobilizes volunteers to rebuild flood-damaged homes in the Lower 9th Ward at roughly 30% of market construction cost, while operating food security and community programs for local residents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disaster Recovery and Community Development Services

NAICS

Residential Building Construction (2361), Community Housing Services (62422)

SIC

General Bldg Contractors - Residential Bldgs (1520)

akta.pro primary industry

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Post-Disaster Whole-Home Rebuild (Fire/Water/Storm) (HSAPAEAH)

Keywords

• Disaster recovery services
• Volunteer home rebuilding
• Community food pantry
• Affordable housing construction
• Nonprofit community development

Headquarters

HQ city

New Orleans

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Grants: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Lowernine.org relies primarily on donations from individuals, corporations, and foundation grants to fund home rebuilding operations, food pantry operations, and volunteer coordination. EIN: 11-3821601.
2. Donor Contributions: Donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate partners support specific projects, food security programs, and general operations. The organization publishes 990 filings for financial transparency.
3. Volunteer Fees: Volunteers pay housing and day fees to cover expenses associated with project coordination, supervision, materials, fuel, safety equipment, insurance, and tool and vehicle maintenance. A non-refundable 25% deposit confirms spots.
4. Tour Contributions: Lowernine.org offers driving tours of the Lower 9th Ward in exchange for a contribution to the organization, with all proceeds going directly to rebuilding homes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Lowernine.org provides free skilled construction labor to rebuild and renovate flood-damaged homes for legacy Lower 9th Ward residents using volunteer workers under professional supervision. It also operates a weekly Saturday food pantry addressing food insecurity in the community, plus food security apprenticeship and job training programs, structured volunteer engagement with on-site housing, and community tours.

Product overview

Lowernine is a nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of disaster recovery and community support programs centered on the long-term rebuilding of New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward. Its core offerings include a volunteer-powered home rebuilding program that reconstructs flood-damaged homes for legacy residents, a weekly food pantry (Levee Food Pantry) addressing food insecurity, and educational/training programs (Stone Soup NOLA and Pearl Milling Program) focused on food security and professional development. The organization also engages volunteers through a structured volunteer program with housing accommodations and offers community tours. These programs operate as interconnected services unified by the mission of restoring community, dignity, and the right to return for Lower 9th Ward residents.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Levee Food Pantry: Weekly food pantry program located at 1739 Jourdan Avenue, serving Lower 9th Ward residents with fresh produce and pantry staples every Saturday.
• Pearl Milling Program
• Stone Soup NOLA

Products and services

• Home Rebuilding Program Volunteer-powered home reconstruction program that rebuilds flood-damaged homes for pre-Katrina legacy residents of the Lower 9th Ward, providing skilled labor, materials coordination, and wraparound support free of charge. Services include roof replacement, framing, structural repair, window/door installation, insulation, sheetrock, flooring, painting, and general finishing work.
• Levee Food Pantry Weekly food pantry operating on Saturdays at 1739 Jourdan Avenue, serving Lower 9th Ward residents with fresh produce and pantry staples, organized through staggered pickup times by last name.
• Pearl Milling Program Food security mentorship program engaging young Black women in conversations about food insecurity, pantry operations, food distribution, and professional development.
• Volunteer Program Structured volunteer engagement program enabling individuals and groups to participate in home rebuilding projects and food pantry operations, with housing available at the volunteer house on Jourdan Avenue.
• Community Tours

Quantifiable outcome

• 98+ homes fully rebuilt, 400+ repair projects completed, bringing back more Lower 9th Ward families than any other single organization
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Stone Soup (Los Angeles)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Launching New Orleans chapter (Stone Soup NOLA) combining job training with soup kitchen startup using 'buy one, give one' model
• Shibusa SystemscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partnership to build Lowernine.org's new headquarters in New Orleans, combining office space with volunteer housing to advance long-term recovery mission
• Second Harvest Food BankcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Primary food security partner providing food supplies for the weekly food pantry; ensures shelves stay stocked with fresh produce and nutritious options
• Tom's of MaineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting Lowernine.org's rebuilding and community programs
• Lush Fresh Handmade CosmeticsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting Lowernine.org's rebuilding and community programs
• James Hardie Building ProductsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBuilding materials partner providing siding and construction materials for home rebuilds; provided training for siding installation
• ATLAS Roofing CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRoofing materials partner providing products for home rebuild projects
• Maze NailsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvided nails for Foucher home renovation project
• The Green ProjectminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMaterials partner providing reclaimed building materials for renovations
• Benjamin ObdykeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBuilding materials partner providing house wrap and weather barriers for rebuilds
• The Home DepotminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing building materials and support for home rebuild projects
• Lowe'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing building materials and support for home rebuild projects
• BoschminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTools partner providing power tools and equipment for construction
• WoosterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPainting supplies partner providing brushes and painting equipment for home projects
• Junior League of New OrleansminorGTM or Marketing PartnerWomen's volunteer organization supporting community programs
• WWOZ 90.7 FMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNew Orleans public radio station supporting community outreach
• Tulane UniversityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUniversity partnership through philanthropy and social change programs
• EntergyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUtility company partner supporting community development
• International Voluntary Service (VFP)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVolunteer organization channel partner providing volunteer placements and support
• Bike & BuildminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVolunteer cycling organization channeling volunteers to Lowernine.org
• HI USAminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHostelling International providing volunteer housing referrals and support
• City of New OrleanscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal partner through Office of the Mayor and Edward Wisner Donation program supporting community recovery
• Enterprise Community PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity development organization supporting affordable housing initiatives

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• SBP (formerly St. Bernard Project): New Orleans-founded nonprofit focused on shrinking the time between disaster and recovery through volunteer-driven home rebuilding. Most direct functional peer — same volunteer-labor, skilled-supervision model and disaster-recovery mission in the same region.
• Make It Right: New Orleans-based nonprofit founded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina to build affordable, sustainable homes in the Lower 9th Ward and surrounding neighborhoods. Directly comparable post-Katrina mission, but emphasizes new-construction green building rather than volunteer-driven owner-occupied rebuilds.
• Rebuilding Together: National nonprofit providing free home repair and rehabilitation for low-income homeowners, often leveraging volunteer labor. Comparable volunteer-powered home-repair model serving vulnerable homeowners, though broader in geography and not disaster-specific.
• Second Harvest Food Bank: Greater New Orleans regional food bank supplying the Levee Food Pantry with fresh produce and pantry staples. Direct functional peer in food distribution to food-insecure households, though operating at far larger aggregated scale across multiple agencies.

Emerging players

• World Central Kitchen: Disaster-relief nonprofit providing hot meals to communities after climate and humanitarian crises. Comparable as a disaster-recovery community-support organization with which Lowernine has historical overlap (contract chef connection); food-pantry work overlaps with WCK's food-security mission.

Regional players

• Greater New Orleans Foundation: Regional community foundation providing grants to nonprofits in the Greater New Orleans area, including Lowernine through the Pratt-Stanton Manor Fund. Adjacent as a regional funder rather than direct service provider; enables the operating model rather than competes with it.

Broad incumbents

• Habitat for Humanity International: Global nonprofit building affordable homes through volunteer labor and donor-funded materials. Highly comparable volunteer-powered construction model, but operates at vastly larger scale and broader geographic scope rather than focusing on disaster recovery in a single neighborhood.
• Enterprise Community Partners: National affordable-housing and community-development nonprofit providing capital, policy advocacy, and on-the-ground program support. Already a listed partner; comparable mission around affordable housing in disaster-impacted neighborhoods, but operates at policy/portfolio scale rather than as a single-neighborhood builder.
• Mercy Housing: National nonprofit developing and operating affordable rental housing for low-income families and individuals. Comparable affordable-housing mission and partnership overlaps with Lowernine, but operates at much larger scale and focuses on rental rather than owner-occupied legacy rebuilding.
• Volunteers of America: National nonprofit delivering housing, recovery, and community programs through volunteer engagement and donor support. Comparable in mobilizing volunteers for community impact, but portfolio is much broader (housing, behavioral health, veterans) rather than focused on post-disaster home rebuilding.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/lowernineorg
• Facebookfacebook.com/lowernine.org
• Instagraminstagram.com/lowernineorg/?hl=en

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Lowernine