NEW ORLEANS, Ga., Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Two celebrity musicians plan to collaborate to spotlight recovery efforts two years after Hurricane Katrina struck the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts.
Musician and producer Quincy Jones and singing sensation Usher said in a joint statement they would work with Habitat for Humanity and others promote assistance, using platforms such as the video podcast series "The Quincy Jones Show" to spread the word. Jones said he's known Usher since the R&B singer was 16 years old; Usher calls Jones his mentor.
Jones, 74, said Habitat for Humanity has more than 1,100 homes built or under construction on the Gulf Coast, but needs volunteers.
"Habitat for Humanity has a need for more than 1,000 volunteers per week," he said. "It's something we can all do to help our fellow Americans get back on their feet and into homes they can afford."
Usher's charity New Look launched Project Restart which, to date, helped more than 700 families resettle into housing through rental and utility assistance.
Usher, 28, said his collaboration with Jones means "we will continue to serve and work for the youth and families impacted by Hurricane Katrina through select initiatives."
