DDH_ICONS Hurricane or Flood

Interview with Simone

You are part of something greater.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or other mental health concerns after a disaster, the Disaster Distress Helpline is here for you 24/7/365.

1-800-985-5990

For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Users: Please text or call using your preferred Relay provider. For more resources, click here.

For Spanish: Call or text and press “2”. For more resources, click here.

Para Español: Llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al 1-800-985-5990 y oprima el número 2. Para más recursos, haga clic aquí.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, large construction vehicles clearing away the wreckage was not an uncommon sight. But what might have stuck out to the average onlooker was a giant, pink excavator tractor with “Demo Diva” emblazoned on its long neck as it scooped away debris. That impressive machine belongs to Simone Bruni, who found healing by helping her New Orleans neighbors recover. Connecting to her community and making a difference helped pull her out of the loneliness she felt after the storm.