STS9 Build House for Katrina Victim Family in New Orleans

STS9 (aka Sound Tribe Sector 9) recently fulfilled a two-year goal of theirs when they turned over the keys to a house that they built -- through fund-raising efforts -- to Katrina survivors in New Orleans' hurricane-ravaged Lower Ninth Ward. The project began in 2009 with STS9's 'Make It Right' drive, during which they used proceeds from a 'Peaceblaster' remix compilation and several fan VIP packages to fund a house that they said would go to a family in need.

"The deserving family rented all their lives in the Lower 9th Ward, raising three sons," reads a statement issued by the band. "The husband did not evacuate during Katrina. He stayed with the family dog, living in the attic for nearly three weeks. He watched boats float by, offering to rescue and take him to safety. He declined, not being able to say goodbye to his home and his neighborhood. It took police officers escorting him out at gunpoint for him to finally leave. They have been through hell. Today however, they are a resilient, stronger, and even hopeful family."

Among other features, the new house has a hatch on the roof, should an escape be necessary in a flood emergency, and the walls can withstand 130mph hurricane-strength winds. So they'll be no huffing and puffing this house down.

Check out photos of the 'House That STS9 Built' in New Orleans. They should probably call it the Rising Sun.