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Hurricane Katrina On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina hit the South Central United States resulting in major destruction and loss of life in New Orleans. One of the hardest hit areas was St. Bernard Parish. This hurricane damaged virtually every structure in the parish. The eye of Katrina passed over the eastern portion of the parish, pushing a 25-foot storm surge into the Mississippi River Gulf Outlet. This surge destroyed the parish levees which are a type of dam that reinforces the river bank and prevents flooding. The breach in the levees led to almost the entire parish being flooded, with most areas left with between 5 and 12 feet of standing water. The water rose suddenly and violently. In many areas, houses were smashed or washed off their foundations by a storm surge higher than the roofs. AEM is offering attendees of the Customer Support Council Seminar the opportunity to help rebuild people's homes and lives in St. Bernard Parish. The project known as the Great Assist will run from October 22-25, 2008. It has teamed up with the local organization St. Bernard Project which has rebuilt 119 houses and has had over 5,700 volunteers assist them during the last two years.

Customer Support Council Seminar

The Great Assist
October 22-25, 2008

FAQ's

When do we start work?
The Great Assist will begin the morning of Wednesday, October 22, 2008 following the seminar's closing keynote speaker. You can work all the way through Saturday, October 25, 2008 if you'd like. Our typical work day will be 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.

What kind of work will I be doing?
Rebuilding homes that have been gutted down to the studs. Rebuilding work includes exterior and roofing work, framing repair, rough and finish electric, plumbing, insulation and drywall, interior texturing and painting, flooring and cabinets, interior doors, baseboards and trim work.

What if I don't have a lot of experience in construction?
Don't worry, they will train you! St. Bernard Project has worked with lots of different people with various skills.

Will I need to bring my own tools?
St. Bernard Project will supply the necessary tools. However, you are welcome to bring your own tools if you feel more comfortable. Check with your airline for regulations for transporting tools.

Is there a fee to volunteer?
There is no fee to volunteer, but there will be a nominal daily fee for Camp Hope - our lodging site. You will also be required to sign waivers of liability for St. Bernard Project and Camp Hope.

Are lodging and meals provided?
AEM has reserved housing for volunteers at nearby Camp Hope. Camp Hope is a former middle school being used as a basic housing facility for Katrina volunteers working all over New Orleans. For $30 per night/per person, Camp Hope provides a place to sleep, recreation space, wireless internet, meeting spaces, two hot meals and a bag lunch for your workday.

Where is Camp Hope located?
Camp Hope is located in St. Bernard Parish in the town of St. Bernard, LA. It is a 30 minute drive to downtown New Orleans.

How will I get to and from the St. Bernard Project (worksite)?
Our Great Assist group will have its own vans to use in the morning to go to the job site and at the end of the day to return to Camp Hope. We may select an evening to go together as a group into town for dinner. (Our hard work deserves good crawfish sustenance!)

What is it like at Camp Hope?
Rooms are divided by gender, dormitory style, and each has 12-15 bunks. You should bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and towel. Our Great Assist group will be housed together as much as possible. Each room is air-conditioned and the building has centralized air. Electrical outlets are limited. Restrooms are located on the first and second floors. Showers are provided in private stalls located on the second floor.

For more information about Camp Hope, please go to: www.habitat-nola.org/camp_hope

Does Camp Hope have laundry facilities?
Laundry facilities are available onsite and the cost is $1.00 for each washer and dryer. Laundry soap and fabric softener are available to purchase.

Is there a place to put my valuables?
Yes, there will be limited space to store valuables.

How do I make reservations?
You can make a reservation for the Great Assist and/or Camp Hope on the Customer Support Council Seminar registration form. You do not need to contact Camp Hope directly. All reservations and monies will be pooled and paid directly to the camp.

Can I continue my stay at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel and still volunteer with the Great Assist?
Yes, the Great Assist group will have a van at the Astor that will transport those staying at the hotel and transport them to and from the job site.

More Information

For more information about the Great Assist, contact Ken Skala, NPK Construction, (440) 232-7900

For more information about Camp Hope, please go to: www.habitat-nola.org/camp_hope