The Latter Branch, located in a turn-of-the-century mansion on St. Charles Ave., lost a good many of its roof tiles, but came through Katrina essentially intact. Its reopening early in 2006 was a welcome sign of recovery to its patrons.

The Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation has donated $100,000 for work that will begin a major renovation of the building. The Williams Foundation gift will fund roof and other external repairs needed immediately for its stabilization. Meanwhile, volunteers are helping to refurbish the building's interior.