When hurricanes strike, the road to recovery can be long, challenging, and uncertain. Communities are left in need of rapid response to rebuild what’s been lost. ET Design-Build has a long history of stepping up to this challenge, providing emergency repair and rebuild services in times of crisis. Our work in Lake Charles and Sulphur, Louisiana, following Hurricanes Laura and Delta, offers just a few examples of our commitment to helping communities recover and rebuild. As the world faces the aftermath of the recent Hurricane Helene, our mission remains just as clear: to provide support and solutions in times of need.
Our Mission Post-Hurricane Helene: Supporting Communities in Need
While our teams have been working hard on the ground in past hurricane recovery efforts, our commitment to making a positive impact extends beyond the skills we bring to the table. In the wake of Hurricane Helene, ET Design-Build made a significant donation to Samaritan’s Purse to help support those affected by the devastation. This contribution was made through ET’s Donor Advised Fund, a charitable foundation created and supported by both the company and our employees. Together, we work to make a difference, providing support not only through our hands-on work in rebuilding efforts but also through financial assistance to aid communities in need.
This donation is just one part of our mission to be a partner in recovery—whether through emergency design-build services or charitable contributions, we are committed to standing alongside communities during their hardest times. Here are a few examples of how we’ve accomplished the former in the past:
Responding to the Call: Hurricane Laura and Delta Recovery Efforts
In September 2020, Lake Charles and Sulphur, Louisiana, faced the devastating impact of Hurricane Laura. Shortly thereafter, Hurricane Delta struck the area, causing further damage. ET Design-Build was on the ground, ready to help rebuild two communities that had been hit hard.
Lake Charles, LA
Two major structures required full replacement, including a transfer station and a hauling company’s administrative building and shop. These were vital facilities for local operations, and restoring them was key to bringing the city back to full functionality. Take a look at the destroyed facilities (before) and the rebuilt transfer station, administration building, and hauling company (after).
Sulphur, LA
In Sulphur, the scale of work was even more expansive. We repaired or replaced a total of 48 structures and buildings. Additionally, we addressed critical infrastructure needs by repairing or replacing over 180 power poles and installing miles of new power cable to restore electricity to the area.
Overcoming Project Challenges After the Hurricanes
Our team faced numerous challenges during these recovery efforts, from weather conditions to logistical hurdles. The back-to-back hurricanes caused persistent rain and flooding, complicating construction schedules. Limited internet and cell coverage meant that communication was often difficult, and power outages disrupted work. Housing and hotel shortages meant that finding lodging for our team was a constant struggle.
ET Design-Build’s commitment to serving communities through these challenges was unwavering. Our team worked long hours in sweltering heat and humidity, handling the difficulties of limited subcontractor availability, material shortages, and the complexities of navigating insurance requirements. From obtaining accurate cost estimates to securing bids across every trade, we remained dedicated to helping the communities of Lake Charles and Sulphur rebuild—one step at a time.
Over the course of four years, ET Design-Build has continued to provide essential repairs and building replacement work in these areas, helping residents and businesses get back on their feet and return to normalcy.
A Commitment to Rebuilding After Hurricanes and Other Disasters
At ET Design-Build, we don’t just see our role as builders; we see ourselves as partners in recovery after hurricanes and other disasters. When disaster strikes, we act quickly and decisively, helping rebuild the structures, systems, and infrastructure that communities rely on. With each hurricane that makes landfall, our commitment grows stronger. Our work in Lake Charles and Sulphur, and our support for victims of Hurricane Helene, stand as testaments to our dedication to rebuilding, restoring, and revitalizing communities in need.
If you or someone you know requires our services for disaster recovery or rebuilding efforts, please don’t hesitate to contact us. ET Design-Build is here to help you weather any storm, and together, we can rebuild stronger than ever.
