Gulf Coast Rebuilding Project

GULF COAST REBUILDING PROJECT

May 11-16, 2008               May 10-15, 2009
Cost: $775                         Cost: TBA

On August 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina dealt a devastating blow to America's Gulf Coast region. This natural and man-made disaster displaced over one million people and destroyed or damaged 142,000 housing units in New Orleans.

Thanks to generous contributions from Gettysburg College and other private donors, the Center for Public Service sponsored a volunteer project last May to New Orleans for 50 employees and students to help with rebuilding efforts. This year we will provide the opportunity for 12 students and 2 project leaders to rejoin the rebuilding of the community of St.Bernard Parish in New Orleans.

Project Description
Participants will work with the St. Bernard Project which is a grassroots, nonprofit organization that provides rebuilding, financial and community support to families in St. Bernard Parish, La. who were displaced and devastated by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Their mission is to break down barriers that hinder families from returning to their homes and communities. The St. Bernard Project provides missing services to the community while connecting families to a larger integrated network of wrap-around services offered in the community. This approach recognizes the interdependent nature of ousing, education and community building in the recovery process.

Camp Hope has partnered with the St. Bernard Project, which is rebuilding already-gutted homes owned by elderly residents. This work includes hanging drywall as well as electrical, plumbing, and other work in order to make homes livable again. Camp Hope is a volunteer camp located in Violet, Louisiana, a town in St. Bernard Parish. The economic recovery of the Parish is dependent on the removal of debris to facilitate the return of both residents and businesses. As of December 31, 2006, volunteers in St. Bernard have completed over 2,000 homes in the Parish.

On-Site Lodging/Food/Facilities
Camp Hope will provide lodging for volunteers at their volunteer camp located in Violet, Louisiana, a town in St. Bernard Parish. Since June 1, 2006, Camp Hope has housed volunteers who assist residents of St. Bernard Parish in their recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

Volunteers should bring their own bedding (any combination of sleeping bag, sleeping mat, air mattress, sheets/covers). Camp Hope provides dormitory living with showers, coin-op laundry on-site, 24/7 on-site security, recreational facilities, computers with internet access, Wi-Fi throughout camp.

Camp Hope will provide three meals per day for volunteers. Participants may want to pack extra snacks to take along for daytime and evening.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Participants will be responsible for some out-of-pocket expenses, as listed below.

• Personal Work, Eating, and Bedding Supplies
  -- Work Gloves
  -- Safety Goggles
  -- Ear Plugs
  -- Reusable Dish, Cup, Utensils
  -- Any combination of sleeping bag, sleeping mat, air mattress, sheets/covers
• Optional Cultural Excursions
  Site coordinators may offer cultural excursions to clubs or museums during the work week. Transportation will be provided, but a per head cost may be incurred at the excursion site.

Health Insurance
All project participants will be required to carry medical insurance.

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