What is The Rebuild the Bayou Foundation?

A foundation created based on a blueprint formula enabling ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference:  purchasing a new or newly remodeled home – in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans – for a family displaced from their home as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

Who established the foundation?

Husband and wife entrepreneurs Matt and Dione Theriault of Los Angeles.  Dione is originally from Alabama, and they are both deeply affected by the causes and effects of Hurricane Katrina.

What is the Rebuild the Bayou “blueprint” system?

The project will be funded by Matt and Dione’s business which markets Nouveau Riche - a company committed to creating real estate investors.  The intent of Rebuild the Bayou is to implement the adage, Give a man a fish, and you feed him for today.  Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.

Matt and Dione are committed to fulfilling their intent using their “blueprint” system:

Renewing the Lower Ninth Ward residences, enabling the former residents to reclaim their neighborhood.

Empowering millions to achieve financial literacy/independence with the Nouveau Riche real estate investing education (i.e. Teach a man to fish…).

Inspiring millions to adopt the “blueprint” system, benefit from the Nouveau Riche real estate investing education and donate additional homes to Lower Ninth Ward families in need.

Why rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward?

The Lower Ninth Ward was home to many families who have only known that area as home.  Although a depressed area of New Orleans, it doesn’t have to be.  There is an opportunity to rebuild the
Lower Ninth Ward – for the people who lived there before Hurricane Katrina hit – so that the neighborhood is healthy, thriving and environmentally sustainable.  

Who will receive the first house?

Matt and Dione will select the first recipient family of a new or newly remodeled house through an essay contest of which the students of Martin Luther King, Jr. Charter School for Science and Technology will participate.   

How much will the house cost?

The cost is estimated at $125,000 - $150,000.  

What is the Rebuild the Bayou Foundation lease-to-own process?

The recipient family will determine a comfortable monthly lease fee, of which they will pay to the
Rebuild the Bayou Foundation for 24 months.  Upon successfully executing the monthly lease payments, Matt and Dione will turn the home title over to the family.  The Rebuild the Bayou Foundation lease-to-own process exists to renew integrity with the New Orleans socio-economic structure, empower the home recipient with pride-of-ownership and inspire other displaced residents to return to New Orleans.

What are the qualifications for the family receiving the house?

The Rebuild the Bayou Foundation has established guidelines (available upon request) of which the
Martin Luther King, Jr. School for Science & Technology essay contest participants must adhere.

When will the family receive the house?

The Theriault’s will hand the keys to the recipient family on a date to-be-determined in 2009.  

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