Volunteer

 

Volunteers from Global Hope have been a constant source of support for Common Ground Relief and, in particular, the rebuild of the Lower Ward. Most recently, Global Hope has collaborated with Common Ground Relief to ensure the rebuilding of Reverend Adam's Church.

Common Ground Relief is incredibly grateful to Global Hope not just for their relentless support, but also for producing this short video, which charts two and half years of the volunteer recovery and rebuild effort in New Orleans.

Common Ground would further like to express gratitude for the sacrifices that these courageous and dedicated volunteers continue to make by engaging in these solidarity efforts. The global community benefits by people coming together, and working together to promote hope and civic responsibility.

 

 

FEMA trailers were produced very quickly by several companies. In the rush to finish the trailers, some companies used unsafe materials. Paint, adhesives, insulation, and particleboard used to fabricate the trailers may contain formaldehyde. As the trailer ages, formaldehyde is released into the air in a process called “outgassing.”

Just 0.1 parts per million of formaldehyde can cause burning, watery eyes, nausea, and breathing problems for some people. The Sierra Club tested 44 FEMA trailers and found levels three times that high in some trailers. Elderly people and children may be more likely to get sick.

Increasing ventilation in your FEMA trailer can help. Keep the door and windows open as much as you can. Outgassing increases in higher temperatures. When you can't have your windows open, certain plants can help to filter the air in the trailer.

Plants that Remove Formaldehyde from the Air

Common Ground Relief stands in solidarity with historically neglected commmunities, and stands firmly against racism in all forms. We must stand together with people in Jena, Louisiana. Please check out their website at freethejena6.org and get involved.

Together, we can unravel institutional racism that plagues Louisiana and our world.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Common Ground Wetlands Restoration program was created to proactively address the dangers faced by New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. We work to bring immediate attention to the ecological and political causes and effects of the 2005 hurricane devastation. The goal is to shed light on where wetlands restoration needs to happen, determine who should be responsible for doing it, and then to do it ourselves where ever possible. We are also dedicated to educating as many folks as possible, both in Louisiana and beyond, on the critical role that wetlands play in our protection from storm surge and how to best keep them healthy. Our goal is to work with consideration and in solidarity with the people of the Gulf Coast.

Show your solidarity with the people of the Gulf Coast by volunteering with Common Ground project this summer. You can registerhere!

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.

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.

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