Common Ground Relief is committed to the full restoration of the Ninth Ward and New Orleans and we believe that job training and skill building for the rebuilding effort is essential for restoration. Now that the "Road Home" money is finally reaching homeowners, we have initiated our job training program so that local residents can gain the necessary skills and can economically benefit from the rebuilding of their neighborhoods.

We have entered into a partnership with a New Orleans based licensed construction company and we are introducing the general contractor to local residents interested in obtaining marketable construction skills. Common Ground Relief provides trainees with a $10 per hour stipend for a 40 hour work week for a period of six months.

With the support of local construction related business owners we are able to expose job trainees to a variety of construction trades. These include drywall hanging and finishing, electrical, plumbing and painting. Ultimately, the trainee is able to focus on a particular aspect of building and is then fully trained. At the end of the program they have the knowledge and experience to be hired.

Common Ground Relief has opened a carpentry shop and has created a carpentry program to build custom cabinetry, moldings and trim. Our carpentry program is particularly interested to work with trainees who have artistic skills and interests, as we hope to create a woodwork restoration unit for the thousands of homes exposed to Louisiana's humidity and over zealous termites.

We can provide room and board during a trainees apprenticeship if needed.