Notes

I. General
II. Housing
III. For Individuals/Small Groups
IV. Alternative Breaks/Group Trips
V. Large Group Single Day Volunteering
VI. Respirators

I. General

Q: How do I sign up to volunteer?
1. Read volunteer info thoroughly.
2. Send a preliminary e-mail to rebuild(at)acorn.org or call (713) 875-6069.

Q: What's the daily schedule? Where do I go in the morning?
Everyone meets at our office (1024 Elysian Fields Ave) at 7:30 a.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers must provide their own transportation. We work until approximately 3:00 p.m. 

Q: What days does the program operate?
We work Monday-Friday.

Q: Who is ACORN?
ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, is the nation's largest community organization of low- and moderate-income families, working together for social justice and stronger communities. Please see more at www.acorn.org.

Q: Why is ACORN organizing volunteers?
New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding. Lower-income communities and homes were particularly affected. ACORN has been organizing volunteers to start rebuilding the homes and communities to again create a vibrant New Orleans.

From December 2005 to January 2008, we have gutted 3,000 homes. We offer this service free of charge while it would cost the homeowner between $4,000 and $10,000. 

Q: What equipment and gear is needed? What should I bring? What will you provide?

Gear that all volunteers need and that we do not provide:

- Bandanna or hat
- Boots or thick soled shoe
- Lunch

Individual and Small Groups (2-5) Specific Information

If you can afford to bring some of your own gear that is a great help to us. However, if you cannot we can provide this gear:
-Leather Gloves
-Safety Goggles
-P100 Respirator (see section VI.)
-Coverall suits

Groups (5 or more) Specific Information

We ask that larger groups provide their own gear. We have a local supplier and a specified gear budget that will be provided to you. If you wish you can order the gear from them and it will be delivered to our office or the place you will be staying and be waiting for when you arrive. The cost amounts to around $20-$25 per person for a week of volunteering.

ACORN will provide:

-Water
-Extra supplies
-Tools

Q: Is there an age requirement?

No, but anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Q: What kind of clothes should I wear? Can I have facial hair?
We recommend long pants and a t-shirt, if it is particularly warm or cold you may want to wear shorts. We recommend either discarding the clothing or washing it separately after volunteering. You must be clean shaven for the respirator to have a good seal.

Q: Do the volunteers receive training and direction?
Volunteers are supervised and accompanied by experienced crew chiefs or trained volunteers.

Q: Are you always looking for volunteers?
We use volunteers everyday with the exception of a few major holidays such as Christmas. Call ahead of time or contact rebuild(at)acorn.org.

Q: Is the city safe? What is there to do?
New Orleans is like any large city, stay in groups and be aware and you'll be fine. The French Quarter, Downtown, and the Marigny are safe and where you would be spending most of your down time. At the worksites the neighborhoods are typically sparsely populated and you are with a large group, we have never had a problem.

There is plenty to do in the city, New Orleans is known for its music and there are dozens of bands playing around the city on any given night. When you arrive, we will provide you with a list of bars, restaurants, and cultural events in the city.

Q: What will happen in the event of a hurricane?
In the event of a hurricane approaching New Orleans we will contact all volunteers regarding the status of the program. Your safety is our primary concern and we will suspend the program well in advance of a potential landfall. In the event of a suspension of the program we unfortunately cannot help you with any losses you may incur due to travel and lodging cancellations.

Volunteers who are in New Orleans at the time of a suspension of the program will be responsible for the costs of their own evacuation, however, no one will be stranded and we will not leave the city until we have confirmed all our volunteers have.