The University of New Mexico Dean of Students Office and Student Activities Center hosted the first "Alternative Spring Break" trip for students Monday, March 14 through Saturday, March 19. UNM students traveled to New Orleans to assist the St. Bernard Project with re-building houses for Hurricane Katrina survivors.

The students helped with the finishing stages of two houses in St. Bernard Parish owned by elderly couples who had to relocate out-of-state after Katrina. Kimberly Clayton, daughter of a homeowner said that it is a blessing to have the volunteers help rebuild her family's house. The Clayton family is set to move back home in early April.

St. Bernard Project is a non-profit community based organization helping Katrina victims return to their homes. The Project relies mainly on volunteer work to rebuild about 50 to 60 houses at any given time. For more information visit their website at St. Bernard Project .

Hallee Kells from the Dean of Students Office created a daily blog during the trip at Alternative Spring Break. Contact Lisa Lindquist at the Dean of Students Office for more information about the trip at (505) 277-3361 or ldelgado@unm.edu.