New Orleans, Louisiana:
New Orleans –
St. Bernard Project
The St. Bernard Project (www.stbernardproject.org)
is a non-profit organization assisting families who wish to move back into their homes in the St. Bernard Parish. They are mainly a rebuilding organization that uses volunteer labor and donations to purchase building materials to  rebuild homes.
On average, it takes 8-12 weeks and $10,000 worth of building supplies to completely rebuild a house that
has been gutted to the studs. To address other client needs they offer tool lending, a community center, and will begin additional services including a senior housing program and mental health program this year.
The building and volunteerism model that they follow removes barriers for residents that at first seem impossible to overcome.
They raise funds, get donated materials and recruit volunteers, put them together and homes get rebuilt and residents finally get to move back home.
The Experience: You will be building someone’s house so be prepared to work hard and to the best of your ability.
 Some activities you can expect to be doing include installing insulation and drywall, mudding, texturing, painting, installing floors, yard work and much more. No experience is necessary as they will train us to do the work.
We will work hard but there will also be opportunities to meet families in the area and to enjoy the wonderful food and culture of New Orleans.
 Where:
New Orleans, LA
When:
August 25-30, 2008 – 24 hour build on Aug 29th
October 5-10, 2008 – Women’s Week
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive
Day 2: Orientation at St. Bernard Project 
Get assignments and training
Work until 4:30
Tour of 9th Ward, the levee, and Global Green
Day 3: Work 8:30-4:00
Possible dinner with recipient family,
or serving dinner at community center
(if Tues)
Day 4: Free day
2 options today - you may go to the
St. Bernard Parish to work there or you are welcome to take this day to explore the
amazing city of New Orleans!
Graveyard tours, plantation tours, hurricanes at Pat O’Briens and the French Quarter await you!
 Day 5: Work 8:30-4:00
You may wish to depart this afternoon or evening. If you need to only work ½ day due to flights that is fine.
Day 6: Depart
The Aug trip will have a 24 hour build on Aug 29th to commemorate when the hurricane hit.
The Oct. trip is during Women’s Build week, so bring your girlfriends!
Accommodations:
Parisian Courtyard Inn Located in the Lower Garden District, 1 block from the St. Charles street trolley, and within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Amenities: refrigerators, hair dryers, irons, wired and wireless hi-speed internet, access to St. Charles Athletic Club, complimentary continental breakfast, a beautiful courtyard, and Jesse, our amazing host.
*Accommodations may change due to availability
Expenses: You will need to cover your accommodations, food and transportation.
 Hotel : $40-$48 per person per night. There are queen or king size beds in each room that will be shared. If needed, Jesse has mattresses that he can put on the floor if there is an issue with sharing a bed. You are also welcome to your own room for an extra charge.
Fee: $100 per person. This fee is based on 8 participants and could change slightly depending on the number of participants and the rental and gas rates at the time of the trip. This fee will cover the expense of a rental car, gas, water, snacks and supplies for the work sites, dinner for the sponsor family and any other miscellaneous expenses.
If you have friends or family in the area that would be willing to assist us with a vehicle to use for the days we are working, that would cut down on the expenses a great deal.
Other Expenses: You will be responsible for getting yourself from the airport to the hotel. This can be anywhere from $15 to $30 depending on how many passengers and what mode of transportation you choose. If several people are arriving at the same time it may be possible for the team leader to pick you up. You will find transportation information later on in this packet.
 RSVP: I will need to know the following:
- If you are willing to share a room or if you would rather a single room (this will depend on the number of participants as the inn has only 10 rooms, also, you may be sharing a bed depending on the availability of extra mattresses)
- Special skills you have such as carpentry, roofing, installing anything from toilets to cabinets, electrical skills or even computer and accounting skills. It is not necessary to have any special skills to participate, however, this will allow the St. Bernard Project to put us where we are most useful.
- Phone number, address, email information
- T-shirt size
- Flight information
Donations and Fund Raising: It is not required that anyone raise funds or bring donations however, you are welcome to do so. You are welcome to collect cash donations for the family whose home you are working on or to give to the St. Bernard Project who uses the money for building supplies, appliances, etc. Most of these families are still living in trailers or are in temporary facilities and when their homes are finished they will be moving into a brand new 'empty' home.
 Just imagine all of the things you might need moving into a new home - furniture, beds, sheets, towels, blankets, pillows, dishes, kitchen items, small appliances, etc. You could bring some of these items with you or a good idea would be gift cards to places like Target, Wal-Mart, Sears, etc. An information and fundraising sheet is attached to your email.
I may also be able to get a DVD and brochures on the St. Bernard Project if you plan to have a fundraiser. Just let me know how I can support you!
Transportation:
You may be responsible for getting yourself to and from the airport depending on when you arrive. I will discuss this with you when I receive your flight information.
United Cabs (504)522-9771
1-2 people = $29 total from airport to hotel
3+ people = $12 per person
www.unitedcabs.com
Airport Shuttle (504)522-3500
$15 per person, 1 way $30 round trip
www.airportshuttleneworleans.com
Hotel:
Rooms will be booked for the dates of the trip. If you wish to stay longer please contact the hotel directly for availability.
Parisian Courtyard Inn
1726 Prytania St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504)581-4540
www.theparisiancourtyardinn.com
 What to Bring:
-work clothes - please bring a long sleeve shirt and long pants on the first day to change into in case you're doing insulation you'll want to be covered up! Otherwise, clothes that can get dirty!
-safety glasses
-sturdy shoes or work boots and work gloves if you have them
-insect repellant and sunscreen
-tools
- the St. Bernard Project has a tool co-op that we will borrow from, but if you have tools of your own (measuring tapes, paint brushes, utility knives, knee pads, anything useful for building) it is always helpful to have more...just remember to put anything questionable in your checked luggage!!!
Thank you for volunteering your time
to this wonderful project! You will be amazed at the difference you will make for a family that just wants to move home.
It is because of you that organizations like the St. Bernard Project are able to continue their work and I look forward to working with you!
I will leave you with one of my favorite quotes:
"Volunteerism is an act of heroism on a grand scale and it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds." -unknown
Let me know if you have any questions!
Kirstin Perkins
(805)598-5751
scottandkirst@gmail.com
1623 S. Paraiso Dr.
Santa Maria, CA 93458
To Donate to the Summer Dreams of the Aguilar Children or To Donate to the Playground Project,
Please Visit our Donate to a Project Page
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