(PressMediaWire) New Orleans, Louisiana Nov 03, 2007– Today, as part of "American Heroes Week," Senator John Edwards traveled to Louisiana to honor the people of New Orleans who have shown great determination and commitment to rebuilding their city. Edwards was joined by supporters and other Habitat for Humanity volunteers in New Orleans' Upper 9th Ward for a day of rebuilding the area devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"While President Bush continues to fail New Orleans, the American people and the residents of the city have not. Almost all of the progress that's been made has been the work of the proud residents of the city and generous Americans, working without and often in spite of the federal government. These determined and courageous people are the real American heroes. Their perseverance should serve as an example to all of us of what is possible when we come together to build the America we believe in."

Edwards and his supporters joined other Habitat for Humanity volunteers in a build at the area known as "The Musicians' Village." A project of New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity (NOAHH) conceived by award-winning musicians and New Orleans' natives Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis, The Musicians' Village concept consists of 72 single-family, Habitat-constructed homes for displaced New Orleans musicians and other qualifying Habitat partner families. Its centerpiece is the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, dedicated to the education and development of homeowners and others who live nearby.

In September, the campaign launched the "Build with John" online contest, keeping with Edwards' promise to create big, bold change on the issues that matter by giving supporters the chance to work alongside Edwards in an effort he cares deeply about - rebuilding New Orleans. Five supporters were chosen randomly from thousands who entered the contest via the campaign website. They are:

Christi Foley is a mother of three and works a server at Ruby Tuesdays in Cincinnati, Ohio. Christi says between working and taking care of her kids - ages 2, 6 and 8 - her days are busy, but when she has a spare moment, she enjoys reading, painting, watching movies and gardening. Her husband works as a systems analyst at International Paper.

Terence Davis is a composer who is best known for his work on National Lampoon - for which he wrote all the music, including the theme song. He has also written jingles for hundreds of commercials and products including Disney, Coca Cola Products, Avon, GE and others. Terrence, who lives in Malibu, California, is married and has two children.

Mark Williams from Colleyville, Texas was born in New Jersey but spent much of his childhood and youth abroad in England and Lebanon. Mark graduated from the American University in Beirut and now works for Delta Airlines. He is interested in Middle East history and politics and wants a president who will pursue a responsible foreign policy in this region. Mark has been married for 30 years and has a nine year old daughter.

Brenda Stone, from Millwood, New York, works as a data architect for a software consulting company. She earned a computer science degree from the University of Florida and was the first in her family to attend college. Brenda grew up in a small town in northern Florida and relates to John Edwards' understanding of the challenges faced by working families.

Sandra Campbell grew up in Detroit, attended Wayne State University and worked as one of the first female advertising account executives on an automotive account. With her partner Ken, Sandra started a landscape design firm in Michigan. After the downturn in Michigan's economy, Sandra and Ken moved to the Keys and opened Florida and online branches of their garden design company.