Volunteer Information

Thanks for your interest in volunteering this summer with the Common Ground Relief. The information below will help you to prepare for your time in the New Orleans area.

You can find more background about Common Ground on this website and you can download our volunteer handbook. Most of your questions will be answered here. Please read this information before calling us. If you have questions AFTER reading through the website, contact the Volunteer Coordination Team at 504-218-6613, or send an email to commongroundvolunteers@gmail.com.

The mailing address for the Common Ground in New Orleans is

1800 Deslonde Street
New Orleans, LA
70117

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Housing

Common Ground provides communal housing for all registered volunteers. We offer either a bunk bed, a cot, or space for your sleeping pad/mat. It’s first come, first serve. Bring your own bedding, e.g. sleeping bag and pad. All volunteers are housed in homes renovated by Common Ground, with basic amenities including hot water. We do not have camping options on site.

There are showers on-site but you may not be able to have one every day. And, the shared bathrooms are part of the revolution.

Food

Common Ground will provide three meals per day. Our volunteer kitchen staff does include vegan and vegetarian choices. Strict vegans and vegetarians may want to bring dietary supplements such as vitamins, power bars, etc. Food allergies can be accommodated. Notify the kitchen when you arrive. It is also great when people can bring snacks or fresh produce to share.

Weather

Southern Louisiana is very hot and hunmid in the summer. Check www.weather.com for the latest weather information. The zip code to use is 70117.

Getting to Common Ground

The main housing site is located at 1800 Deslonde Street, at the corner of Roman and Deslonde Click here for a map!

If you are driving, you can visit Craig's List or our online forum to search for travel buddies to share costs.

If you are flying, the New Orleans airport is open and convenient. There is a shuttle bus that will take you to the community center for $13. The website for the shuttle is http://www.airportshuttleneworleans.com. The shuttle only runs until around 8PM. Contact the volunteer coordination team at commongroundvolunteers@gmail.com or 504-218-6613 if you are arriving later than that.

If you are arriving by bus or train, you should catch a taxi directly to the community center. If you cannot afford a taxi, contact the volunteer coordination team at commongroundvolunteers@gmail.com or 504-218-6613.

The Work
Please read the Project Areas section of our website and decide which project(s) you wish to commit to working on for the bulk of your time at Common Ground. Indicate that project when registering.

WHAT TO PACK:

Sleeping bag and pad or inflatable mattress
Flashlight and extra batteries
First aid kit
Work clothes
Rain jacket, possibly a hat and gloves
Closed-toe shoes and extra pair of comfortable shoes
Hand sanitizer
Toiletries and towel
Camera or video camera
Cell phone
Specialty needs
Insect repellent
Instruments, books, arts supplies
If you can, bring work gloves and sturdy or rubber boots.

If you or your group can bring other things to donate that is also appreciated. There is a downloadable donation letter on our website that you can bring to local stores. Please check our online wish list but,

3mil Contractor Bags
Small Tools – hammers, crow bars etc
Work Gloves
Vegetable Oil
Hand Sanitizer
Hand Soap
Toilet Paper
and Bottled Water are always needed.

Check the website for updates and read Hurricane Season for Volunteers about what to pack in your own Emergency Preparedness kit.

Remember, the circumstances you are entering are part of a DISASTER ZONE. It is important to take good care of your mental and physical health prior to arrival and during your stay.

We are excited to work with you in a mass effort of 'solidarity, not charity.'

Thanks on behalf of the Common Ground Relief

www.commongroundrelief.org