NEW ORLEANS AND GULF COAST RELIEF EFFORT

www.commongroundrelief.org
the following was posted on the common ground relief website

"Dear Common Ground" - from a family of spring break volunteers

Submitted by jenka on Tue, 2006-03-21 14:26. Articles by Volunteers

(I would love to address this letter more personally to one or two people,
but I also realize the power of the group effort and the huge impact we
felt was indeed the collaborative effort and the namelessness of so many
who gave so much!)

My family (two adults in their mid-40s and 50s, a 14 year old and an 18
year old) were overwhelmed by what we experienced last week in the 9th
ward. I felt like I was somewhere between Woodstock and the aftermath of a
war zone. I have never seen such hope and inspiration, such determination
and organization, such a commitment to emotionally and physically hard
work, as we saw among the Common Ground Collective. The positive energy
and selflessness of so many people between the ages of 20 and 30 was
unlike anything else I have known.

As a family, we feel like we only contributed an iota of help over our two
days in mylar suits and respirators, but being witness to the movement and
work of so many was an experience of a lifetime. For the first time in
years, I felt, quite oddly, very patriotic--amazingly proud of the youth
in our country. To meet kids from over 20 states and more colleges than I
could list, giving up their 10 days of the beloved ritual of "spring
break" to work in the heat, mold, and muck of the devastation of Katrina,
living in tents and eating communally from buckets of casseroles and
salad, was really inspiring. Our country is in good hands if this is the
group about to take over after my generation moves on.

Many thanks for all you are doing.

In peace,

Zendt family

Frequently Asked Questions

Submitted by kerul on Mon, 2006-03-06 22:36. Volunteer | Announcements

Are there work requirements?

Yes. Common Ground expects each volunteer to work at least 5 out of 7 days per week on Common Ground projects. We ask that you do not take time off over the weekend because that is the time local residents are able to work on their homes.

People volunteering for less than two weeks are asked to focus primarily on house-gutting. Please let the volunteer team know if you have health issues that preclude you from house-gutting work.

What kind of work will I be doing?

Most people will be involved in cleaning up homes. This may include cleaning up debris and trash in yards and within homes and then gutting the inside by removing all the sheetrock etc

If you have special skills you may be asked to join one of our project teams such as legal, kids and community or the bioremediation effort.

How do I register?

Each person should register separately online (www.commongroundrelief.org/node/46). Once you register, you will be sent a confirmation email that includes important information such as directions from the airport, what to pack, etc. Do not wait for this confirmation email to make your travel arrangements.

Can I bring a group?

Groups of volunteers are welcome. We ask that each group identify a point person to be in contact with the Volunteer Coordinator. The point person needs to send group contact information via email (commongroundvolunteers@gmail.com) including the name of the group, dates the group will be working with Common Ground, number of people in group, if you need Common Ground housing, and if you will have ground transportation in New Orleans.

It is very helpful if each groups organizes into teams of 10 in advance, and that you bring as much or your own protective gear and tools as possible.

Each person in the group must also register separately online

Are people under 18 allowed to volunteer?

Yes. People under the age of 18 are required to be accompanied by an adult guardian. Every minor must have a signed parental waiver on file with Common Ground before participating in any Common Ground projects. Send an email to commongroundvolunteers@gmail.com to request a waiver.

What should I pack?

Read through the Volunteer information page and check out the What to pack section of the list.
After your time here, take a minute to review this list, in case we missed something!
Don't worry, stores are open in New Orleans, for items folks forget.

I have extra room in my car. What does Common Ground need?

Check the Wish List online for the most current needs. Wish List and list

Is volunteering in New Orleans safe?

The Gulf Coast and New Orleans is a disaster zone. The area is filled with potentially catastrophic dangers, but with an effort toward consciousness and by taking personal responsibility, one can remain reasonably safe while working with Common Ground Collective. Longterm volunteers at Common Ground will do their best to help provide a safe working and living environment.

Environment:

The toxins in the soil and the mold can cause health risks with long-term exposure. Mold is particularly problematic for people with allergies or asthma. Please reconsider coming if you have extreme respatory conditions or other immune deficiencies. Organizing support at home may be the best option for people with serious conditions.

Key people at Common Ground have done extensive research and training on health issues. As you may know, the houses we are gutting are full of mold. We know that respirators are essential to protect your lungs while inside a house. A disposable suit is also important in keeping the mold from being tracked back into our living space. Everyone is encouraged to bring their own safety equipment but if you don’t have all of the safety gear, it will be provided.

At the housing sites, we have decontamination areas used to clean the tools used each day in order to minimize contact with the mold. Throwing away the used tyvek suits and cleaning tools well helps to keep mold out of shared living spaces.

Housing

Each housing site has a security team that oversees the site, and someone is awake throughout the night watching the facilities. We have a locked rooms and lockers available for small valuables. Please do not bring large quantities of cash or valuables to our facilities.

As volunteers arrive, we ask each one to sign a waiver that includes general policies on personal conduct. We believe that our volunteers have a right to be in spaces that are free of:

* Drugs, alcohol and weapons
* Racist, sexist, homophobic (classiest, ageist, ableist etc.) remarks or actions.
* Dishonesty, stealing, scamming or messing with peoples stuff.
* Violence or threat of violence towards anyone.

We ask all volunteers and community members who are working with Common Ground and living in our volunteer housing to respect the issues outlined above. If volunteers act in ways that disrespects or harms anybody here or in the community as a whole you will be asked to leave Common Ground.

We have established a mediation team in order to reduce any internal conflict.

Crime:

In terms of crime, the neighborhoods in which we work have a reputation of being high crime areas. While there is some truth to this, it is more an example of how racism is used to portrays all Black people as criminals. Since the storm, many of these neighborhoods are still deserted and we have had little problem with crime in the communities within which we work.

Finally, volunteers are expected to take responsibility for their personal safety and to take normal precautions, such as not walking alone at night, not carrying large amounts of cash, keeping your personel items together, putting your name on things like cameras and etc. If you have something of real value ask for it to be put in the locked security closet.

Common Ground
1415 Franklin St.
New Orleans, LA 70131

504-392-9232

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http://handsonusa.org
takeaction@handsonnetwork.org
info@handsonusa.org

HANDS ON USA

http://handsonusa.org/index.cfm?section=about_us

"More than three months after Hurricane Katrina's jagged front edge tore into Mississippi's Gulf Coast like a runaway chainsaw, East Biloxi remains a shattered community of poor people living amid their ruins, facing an uncertain future.

Those who survived the mighty storm still talk about the roar of the wind, followed by a 30-foot-high wave that surged in from the Gulf of Mexico, only to crash head-on into a second wall of water rushing out of the Back Bay from behind.

They say that the two massive waves met with a force that turned this entire slender peninsula neighborhood inside out. It remains so today: piles of rubble, cracked trees, crushed houses, rusting cars, refrigerators, stoves and fishing boats, bits of plastic shredded into the bushes and trees."
By David Weir, Salon.com

Hands On USA is the US-based affiliate of Hands On Worldwide, a volunteer-staffed, non-profit organization with 501(c)3 tax-exempt status, dedicated to timely disaster response and relief.

Our Volunteer Center in Biloxi, MS currently provides the following services:

• Community Outreach and Supply Distribution
• Medical Clinic Support
• Tree & Debris Removal
• Home & Small Business Clean-Up
• Temporary Roofing Installation
• Animal Shelter Assistance and Placement
• Community Center Recovery Projects

We are currently accepting volunteers, donations of goods and funds.

For more information please email info@handsonusa.org or telephone (978) 405-9425.

UPDATE: Hands On USA is working with the national volunteer organization, Hands On Network, to provide an ongoing presence for volunteers to make a difference in the recovery of the Gulf Coast region. Beginning February 1st, Hands On Network will support the ongoing work of the volunteer center at Pass Road in Biloxi as well as establish similar centers in New Orleans.

Those in interested in volunteering in Biloxi beyond February 1st, contact Hands On Network at takeaction@handsonnetwork.org. Visit Hands On Network’s Katrina Relief site for ongoing updates about centers opening in other locations and other opportunities to serve in the region.

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THE RELIEF NOW NETWORK

http://www.reliefnownetwork.org/content/Volunteer/tabid/79/Default.aspx

Volunteer Destinations Pearlington, MS Pearlington Recovery Center – The Pearlington Recovery Center is a locally operated relief effort located in Charles B Murphy Elementary in Pearlington. The facility provides volunteers with shelter, food, water, showers, and a link with the community. In addition the PRC also runs the PearlMart, a free grocery store that is available to everyone. For more information, visit www.pearlingtonrecoverycenter.org. First Southern Baptist Church – Dave Baldwin, a volunteer from Vicksburg, and his wife Patty are running the recovery efforts at the First Southern Baptist Church. The church will provide shelter, water, food, showers, as well as work orders. For more information, please call the church at 228-533-7313. Waveland / Kiln, MS Camp Coastal Outpost – Camp Coastal was established by a group of individuals who were involved in the relief efforts from day 1. Some are former government employees, some are representatives of global aid organizations, and some are simply volunteers. These people have a heart for the people they help serve. Camp Coastal provides food, water, shelter, a cot, and internet access to every volunteer. Camp Coastal does not provide tools or work order, but is heavily networked with the local communities and will connect your group with the proper organizations. If you are part of a group that want to volunteer, this camp is for you! Please contact Sandy at slm@internationalaid.org or call 504-314-5724 for more information. Bay Saint Louis, MS Disaster Corps – Disaster Corps was founded by a group of individuals who were hurricane Floyd victims in 1999. They truly have a heart for victims and can actually say that they know what they are going through. Call them today at 252-883-1175 or 252-883-1776 to sign up. They welcome individuals, families and groups. Pass Christian, MS God’s Katrina Kitchen – From the website, “Many churches and denominations are working together, not under any specific organization, but under The One True God. Good food and Good News...given in Jesus' name. God's Katrina Kitchen operates solely on food donations, monetary contributions and volunteer workers. Volunteers consist of chefs, cooks, servers, kitchen workers and skilled workers (carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc.)”. For more information or to volunteer, email Greg Porter at gregporter@godskatrinakitchen.org or call the office at 228-452-1095. Biloxi, MS Hands on Network – Hands on Network has taken over the Hands On USA Biloxi operation. The framework set in place by Hands On USA is proving successful in making an impact on the city of Biloxi. To schedule a volunteer trip to Biloxi, please send an email to takeaction@handsonnetwork.org or call 228-257-6094. New Orleans, LA Common Ground Relief – Common Ground is focused on relief efforts in the lower 9th Ward of New Orleans. They are advocates for those who do not have a voice. The Common Ground Collective was established in the first week after Hurricane Katrina flooded New Orleans. It was the first organization to open up a medical clinic in Algiers, and provide immediate assistance (food, water, supplies) to the thousands of low-income residents unable to evacuate. To volunteer, send an email to commongroundvolunteers@gmail.com to view their website go to: http://commongroundrelief.org/ Hilltop Disaster Relief – Hilltop Rescue is a Christian organization overseen by Hilltop Church of Christ. Their mission is to provide relief to the brothers and sisters who are suffering from natural disasters and to minister to non-Christians by displaying the love of Christ though compassion and service. For more information, please visit http://www.hilltoprescue.org/volunteer.html Saint Bernard Parish, LA Emergency Communities - Emergency Communities is a soup kitchen run in Saint Bernard Parish. According to the Emergency Communities website, "We are here to provide food, clothing, and comfort for returnees from this awful storm. But more importantly, we provide a safe, warm space for the community - a space filled with compassion, love, and a new hope as we work together to recover and build anew." If you are interested in volunteering, click here and fill out the form. You should be contacted within 48 hours. Do Your Part - Do Your Part is a grassroots organization working in Saint Bernard Parish. They have a volunteer house in Algiers, as well as a distribution center. Utilizing these resources, they are actively involved in the relief efforts in Saint Bernard Parish. For more information, click here to send an email to Lisa Campbell. ReliefSpark - ReliefSpark works alongside ACORN in Saint Bernard Parish and New Orleans. Click here for more information.