Rebuild New Orleans

In August 2005 Hurricane Katrina swept through the city of New Orleans, flooding over 80% of the city and destroying thousands of homes. Now, two years on, residents are still struggling to rebuild their ravaged city and return to normal life.

Volunteer Role

After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, the Federal Emergency Management Agency housed displaced families in mobile homes on the outskirts of the city. These mobile homes were initially a welcome relief to families who were suddenly left homeless.

However many of these families cannot afford to have their houses rebuilt by expensive contractors and this is where you come in! This project focuses on rebuilding houses for the citizens of the Oak Place Trailer Park in Gonzales, LA, which consists of 50 homes for Hurricane Katrina survivors. The families who live in this community are living in a very rural area about 45 minutes west of New Orleans.

Each homeowner provides the materials to put their home back together (sheetrock, tile, carpet, etc) and we need to provide able-bodied volunteers to build their home. Volunteers will be involved in all the main stages of rebuilding these homes, including laying tiles, cutting wood, carrying building materials, mixing cement and painting.

Location

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Accommodation & Meals

During your time in New Orleans, you will stay in our 3-bedroom volunteer house. The volunteer house can accommodate up to 25 volunteers at a time. Meals are not included in the price of the programme, we recommend that you budget £25-£30 for food shopping each week.

Programme Overview

Prices & Durations: 2 weeks £399, 4 weeks £699, 8 weeks £1299

How to book & pay:
£195 deposit to secure place, balance due 12 weeks before departure.

What is included?
Project donation
Buddy list of volunteers
Orientation on arrival
All accommodation
Assistance & emergency contact
Telephone & WiFi facilities onsite
Project transport

What is not included?
Flights
Travel Insurance
Meals (approx. £20-£30 per week)
Airport transfer (£10-£15 each way)
Background check (£10)
Personal Items
Email or phone charges
Additional excursions

Programme Summary:
Make a difference and improve the ruined lives of the people of New Orleans, you will play an important role in the rebuilding of homes.
Other USA gap year programmes

Arrival dates: Please contact us for 2008 start dates.

Ask a question

If there's anything you'd like to know, call 01892 516 164
or complete the form below and we'll be able to help.