Rebuilding New Orleans

Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast city of New Orleans in the summer of 2005, destroying the homes of thousands of families and putting 80 percent of the city underwater. It has now been over two years since disaster struck and the city’s residents are still trying to regain the normality, many people are still living in temporary trailer parks.

Voluntary Work

After Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc along the Gulf Coast, the response was to create mobile home neighbourhoods on the city outskirts, to house those who had been displaced. These were a welcome relief initially but after two years of temporary accommodation, people are desperate to get back into the city to get their lives back to normal.

Having your house rebuilt is expensive and many of the families left in the temporary housing are unable to afford a contractor. This is where the volunteers come in! The main focus of this project is to rebuild the homes of the families currently living in the Trailer Park.

The deal with the families is that the homeowner supplies the materials and the project provides the people to do the job! So, materials such as tile, carpet and sheetrock will be used by the volunteers to put a house back together under the supervision of a volunteer contractor who will be on hand to guide you through tasks and give out comprehensive instructions.

Location

The city of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Accommodation and Meals

Whilst you are working in New Orleans, our accommodation will be in our 3 bed, 2-bath volunteer house.

Your meals are not included on this project, so we would recommend a food budget of £25 to £30 for weekly food shopping.

Programme Overview

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

How to book & pay:
Book with £195 deposit, balance due 12 wks before departure.

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

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

Summary:
This project is working to help the families unable to afford contractors by supplying volunteers to put the houses back together – you’ll be playing a vital role in the reconstruction of the USA’s most unique cities.
Other USA career break programmes

Programme dates: Any Saturday of the year.

Ask us a question

If there's anything you'd like to know, call on 01892 701 881
or complete the form below and we'll be able to help.