Christian hands at work ...Changing Lives ... Rebuilding Communities

Let’s continue this momentum in our rebuilding efforts this year for the much needed work in the New Orleans area from the affects of Hurricane Katrina that still exist. The National Council of Churches will host its 4th annual Ecumenical Work Week: Worship, Witness and Work in New Orleans August 1-7, 2010. We need you to join us to help those still affected by the hurricane to not only assist in rebuilding their homes but to provide spiritual outreach through our ministry. 

We know that when homes and lives are rebuilt it has a ripple effect into communities and most importantly the rebuilding of hope. The faith community responded when the devastation took place and will remain until our work is completed.  

We are counting on you to join us in August and know that your work will make a difference. Come to New Orleans as we worship, witness and work together to help those in need as they rebuild their homes, churches, communities and lives. 

To volunteer call 504-348-2187 for more information. Below are additional details on what to expect. We look forward to working with you and thank you for volunteering! 

How do I participate in Ecumenical Work Week? 

1.        Assign a group leader to be responsible for making and confirming reservations. If you aren’t coming in a group, you are still very welcome to participate.

2.        Download the registration form here and return it with the $25 per person registration fee.

3.        Once the forms are received, you will receive a confirmation letter/email and a volunteer information packet.  The volunteer information packet will be detailed information on housing, the agenda, what to expect and what to bring. 

Travel 

Please provide your own transportation to and from your cities and during your stay.  Flight arrangements can be made to fly directly into the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Vans are especially useful to transport volunteers. 

Housing 

Once you have registered, we will work with you to arrange housing.  Below is the website to tour the option.

Camprestore -  www.camprestore.org

9301 Chef Menteur Hwy
New Orleans, LA 70127

* The cost is $35 per night. This includes 3 meals daily and housing.

What to Bring?

·         Work clothes that can get dirty and are loose-fitting and suitable for hot, sunny, humid days

·         A change of clothes for the end of the work day

·         Shoes that are suitable for high construction work

·         Sunscreen and a hat

·         Water bottle (suggested)

·         Close-toed shoes

·         Hand Sanitizer

·         Plastic or cotton work gloves

·         Personal hygiene items 

What will be provided?

·         A commemorative T-shirt

·         Bottled water

·         Light snacks

·         Continental Breakfast

·         Transportation to and from the work sites each morning and afternoon. 

Frequently asked questions

The Special Commission has issued a report card on the status of recovery efforts. After more than a half a dozen post-Katrina trips to the Gulf Coast region and extensive on-the-ground analysis, the NCC's Special Commission on the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast gave low marks across the board to local, state and federal governments. The report card reviewed response and rebuilding efforts in the city of New Orleans, the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and the federal government in areas such as transportation, healthcare, housing, schools, insurance, and environmental justice.

The NCC's Special Commission was formed in September 2005 in response to the spiraling neglect present in the Gulf Region after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Commissioners representing NCC member communions convened for the first time in Louisiana in November 2005, a few months after the storms ravaged the Gulf Coast, to analyze on-the-ground progress post-Katrina. The Special Commission has since toured the Mississippi coast, met with religious leaders and community activists and government officials in New Orleans and Mississippi, including Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. In addition, the Special Commission has met with members of Congress and officials at FEMA about efforts to rebuild.