Lutheran Disaster Response > Volunteer > Hurricane Volunteers > Louisiana

Louisiana
Recovery from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

The work here is focused mostly on repairing and rebuilding damaged homes.  Groups with one-quarter or more skilled individuals (those that can lead others on worksites) are needed.  The most common jobs include hanging, taping, and painting drywall and carpentry trim work.  The minimum age at all work sites is 16.

Where can we stay?

Volunteer Resources Interested in planning a volunteer work trip?  Click here for "Hurricane Volunteering 101", a section of Frequently Asked Questions about volunteering on the Gulf Coast. Skilled volunteers needed!  [Learn more] Don't leave home without your customized LDR Gear, available through Old Lutheran.  [Order today]

Bethlehem Volunteer Center, located in New Orleans East, houses over 100 volunteers at a time.  This site is operated by Lutheran Social Services of the South Disaster Response, the local LDR affiliate agency.  For more information, call 866-709-0888.

Peace Lutheran Church is located in Slidell, Louisiana, and houses approximately 50 volunteers at a time.  Volunteers are asked to donate $25/night, and meals are provided.  Contact Pastor Barb Simmers at 985-641-6400 for more information.

Grace Lutheran Church in New Orleans can house 20 volunteers.  There is no set fee to stay at the church, but donations are welcome.  Volunteers must provide their own meals.  Contact Leon Philpot at 504-482-4994 for more information.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church in New Orleans houses 50 volunteers at a time.  There is no daily charge, but donations are welcome.  Volunteers must provided their own food for meals.  For more information, contact Nathaniel Lawson at 504-891-0968.

Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Chalmette houses up to 40 volunteers at a time.  There is no daily charge, but donations are welcome.  Volunteers provide their own food for meals.  For more information, contact Pastor Jim Shears at 504-237-8879.

Christ the King Lutheran Church in Metairie houses up to 48 volunteers at a time.  There is no daily chare.  Volunteers must provide their own meals.  For more information, call 866-709-0888.

There is a Lutheran hurricane recovery effort in Houma, LA, (about an hour south of New Orleans) where major flooding from Hurricane Rita caused problems for the Bayou community.  For more information, send an e-mail to bayougrace@yahoo.com.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has two Volunteer Villages in Louisiana -- Luling and Houma.  Volunteers are asked to call the PDA Call Center at 866-732-6121 for more information.

If you are interested in volunteering through LDR at one of these sites, please select "Louisiana" as your Preferred State on the Volunteer Sign-Up form.

Helpful Links

New Orleans Marketing and Tourism Corporation
The Multi-Cultural Tourism Network
Camp Restore - LCMS Southern District
Habitat for Humanity New Orleans
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
Go Camping America