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Volunteering with Resurrection House

Resurrection House is a program to rebuild homes in the New Orleans area. Resurrection House will solicit skilled and unskilled volunteers from around the country and the world to stay in a dormitory-type setting while rebuilding neighborhoods one home at a time. The initial focus will be rebuilding for the elderly, the handicapped, the disabled, and single parents in New Orleans, St. Bernard parish, and the surrounding areas.


We're looking for YOU

We welcome any individuals and teams 18 years or older from any faith-based organization or secular walk of life who will be respectful of the Resurrection House program and physical location of the dorm, located in a church.


Types of work

Rebuild: This will be a rebuild project needing skilled and unskilled volunteer labor for electrical, plumbing, roofing, tiling, sheetrock, painting, carpentry, siding, and insulation work.

Team leaders: For every team, a leader needs to be identified to serve as the team leader. The team leader will be the spokesperson for the entire group. Team leaders are VIP's. They will meet with the project manager or Director every morning to receive assignments, discuss tools and materials needed, and acquire directions to each job. The team leaders will be the problem-solvers within their team and make daily assignments according to each crew's abilities. They will coordinate with the crew chiefs and runners to obtain all necessary supplies from the warehouse.

Crew chiefs: For every work crew of 10-12 people, a crew chief will be appointed to supervise and train the group. Crew chiefs will take charge of a work crew, coordinate with the team leader and runners regarding assignments, supplies, and directions. The crew chief will oversee the day-to-day work on each crew and make individual assignments based on the abilities and expertise of each volunteer. The crew chief is expected to monitor quality of work, coordinate and oversee supplies and materials needed for each crew, and communicate with the team leader regarding any problems or needed supplies.

Runners: All work crews need to designate a member to serve as a runner to help the crew chief supply the team with tools and materials. Runners will meet each morning with the team leader and crew chief to coordinate needed supplies and where to obtain them. Must be able to lift tools and materials, not get too lost, and have a valid driver's license. The runner will probably be asked to do all kinds of errands, from obtaining tools to going to the drugstore for band-aids to picking up more water or cooling vests.

House person: Resurrection House will also need an all-purpose house person from each team to help in the kitchen or with general cleanup. Please choose a person from each team that is flexible, capable, and willing to do anything in Resurrection House from laundry to kitchen duty to light cleaning as a support for the full-time janitor. We expect crews to get dirty and drag back a lot of dust and debris, and we will count on the house person to help keep Resurrection House clean and pleasant.

So, for example, if a church brings 50 people on a mission trip, you will break into 4-5 work crews with a team leader, crew chiefs, runners, and a chore person for each team.

Resurrection House is looking for active workers able to do physical work. There will not be light duty work set up for those with physical disabilities or particular likes and dislikes. Please plan accordingly. Thank you.


Equipment and tools

Resurrection House will have some tools available for use. If at all possible, teams should bring tools and equipment with them.

Resurrection House items will be checked out by the team leader or runner only and must be returned in clean condition. We will gratefully accept donated tools in good condition. Thank you!

Please respect all rules of building, and if safety clothing or tools are needed, obtain them before continuing any job. If there is a question, please stop and clarify before continuing. Safety is taken very seriously at Resurrection House!


Transportation

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We do not furnish transportation, although we may have access to work vehicles.

Teams flying into New Orleans will need to schedule their own transportation to Resurrection House. Airpost Shuttles are available at the airport. You can schedule a pickup in advance by calling.

Rental vehicles are available at the airport. We recommend bringing or renting at least one SUV or van to transport teams with more flexibility, and to aid in picking up equipment and supplies. Transportation to job sites is limited.


Youth teams

Groups under 16 years of age will be scheduled for light work, yard work, or other youth-related activities. Because of insurance constraints, young people under 16 may not work on a construction site. No exceptions, please.


Please note

It is strongly recommended that all volunteers have a current tetanus shot. If in doubt, get another one.

Contact

Beth Gibson, Volunteer Coordinator

(985)288-4400, email: beth@resurrectionhouseofneworleans.org

P. O. Box 1807
Slidell, Louisiana 70459