In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast and caused what many call the worst natural disaster in US history. Hurricane Rita followed in September of that year. Portions of the Gulf Coast were devestated.

Join 50 volunteers from the greater Duluth community as they help re-construct homes in areas of New Orleans, LA, ravaged by the hurricanes. Volunteer leaders are coordinating the effort through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), http://www.pcusa.org/pda/ ; the trip is open to people of any faith, spirituality, or way of understanding. Volunteers must be 18 years of age, in good physical condition, and have an open and flexible attitude. Before departing, each person's skills and experiences will be assessed , and the group will be deployed to work sites that can best utilize their talents. To date most of the mucking, gutting, and debris removal has taken place. However, a tremendous amount of work is left to do before homes are fit for human habitation. Volunteer efforts will consist primarly of (but not limited to) sheet rocking and other finish work.

The registration fee is $350.00 per person. This amount covers transportation to and from New Orleans along with lodging and meals at the work camps in New Orleans; It does not include meals in transit and meals during any planned late afternoon, evening outings in the area. Volunteers must provide their own footwear (heavy work boots suggested), work gloves, and protective eye wear.

In Louisiana, PDA maintains six "villages" to host volunteers; they are located on church property, private land, or municipal property; each houses 75 to 150 volunteers. The group from Duluth will stay together in a village called Olive Tree located at the site of the former Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East New Orleans. The village is very basic, with conditions similar to a camping experience. The site consists of hard corrugated polypropylene tents (3-10 persons each) and a few permanent structures. At the very least the village will have:

• corrugated polypopylene tents (called Pods) (3-10 people each)
• cots inside the tents
• portable toilets
• kitchen
• shower facilities
• dining area
• sinks
• air conditioning and heating inside tents
• gathering area for groups
• parking space
• washer and dryer

The village has full-time staff members. They answer guest questions, enforce camp policies, and do their best to ensure volunteers have a pleasant experience. Volunteers share the responsibility for keeping the village functioning and tidy; they take turns helping to plan meals and cook, cleaning washing stations and bathroooms, picking up around the grounds and emptying trash cans, staightening meeting areas, maintaining equipment, building and repairing structures, organizing the supply tent, cleaning the kitchen, and assisting in the village office.

We must get the word out that there is still great need Kevin Krejci Presbyterian Community Outreach, Construction Coordinator

Before arriving in the Gulf, volunteers must:

• have up-to-date tetanus shots
• if you have experienced serious illness or have heart problems or diabetes, check with a doctor to ensure you are healthy enough to volunteer. Physical labor combined with life in primitive conditions can accelerate the onset of heatstroke and exacerbate other pre-existing conditions.
• Complete and return the "Skills Assessment Form" to the team leader.
• Review the orientation manual and direct questions to the team leader.
• Attend three orientation sessions

Each volunteer should bring

Bedding

• sleeping bags
• flat sheets
• pillow

• socks and undergarments
• heavy work boots (steel toes are recommended)
• heavy work gloves and light cotton gloves
• rain gear
• hat, visor, bandana, and/or sweatband
• t-shirts or work shirts
• long-sleeved shirts
• jeans/pants and shorts
• sleepwear
• shower shoes and robe

• toothbrush and toothpaste
• soap, shampoo
• deodorant
• personal medication
• sunscreen
• insect repellant
• razor and shaving cream (electricity may not be available)

• flashlight and extra batteries
• travel clock
• fanny pack or backpack
• spending money
• water bottle
• sunglasses
• safety goggles/glasses

• towels and washcloths
• car chargers (for electronic equipment
• camera

Please do not bring:

• tents
• alcohol and controlled substances

Participants must participate in three orientation sessions scheduled for the weeks of February 17-23, February 24-March 1, and March 2-8. The actual dates are listed below. The sessions will begin at 7:00 PM and last approximately one hour. The location of the orientation sessions will be in UMD Montague Hall 70.

• Tuesday, February 19, 2008 or Wednesday, February 20, 2008
• Tuesday, February 26, 2008 or Wednesday, February 27, 2008
• Tuesday, March 4, 2008 or Wednesday, March 5, 2008

The registration fee is $350.00. Payment in full is due on/or before February 1, 2008. Registration is confirmed once materials are completed and returned with full payment of the registration fee. The registration fee is non-refundable.

This trip is coordinated by the Diversity Commisssion of the University of Minnesota Duluth and United and Lutheran Campus Ministries. For more information about the trip and/or to request registration materials, please contact the trip coordinators listed below.

Page Author - Duane Long, Email: dlong@d.umn.edu
The views and opinions expressed in this page are strictly those of the page author. The contents of this page have not been reviewed or approved by the University of Minnesota.

© 2007 by the University of Minnesota Duluth Lutheran Campus Ministry. United Campus Ministry and the UMD Diversity Commission
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Page URL: http://www.d.umn.edu/lcm/neworleansinfo.html
Page Last Updated: October, 2007
Privacy Statement