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Sometimes, GCW has an actual homebuilding project ongoing (see here), where you might work,
or you might work on a crew doing something entirely different. The range of possible projects
varies greatly over time in varying communities, but volunteers are the lifeblood of the recovery
effort, so no matter what you do, it will have significant and important value to those you serve.
All volunteers are responsible for the cost of airfare and local transportation, including getting
themselves from their arrival airport (usually New Orleans or Gulfport) to their host’s
facility. But because this is a team effort, rental car sharing is often possible, either with fellow
first time volunteers, or in vehicles that GCW might be renting at the time. A donation for gas money
or some sort of pro-rated share of the vehicle expense is customary and appreciated. Groups of three or
more arriving together are requested to actually rent a vehicle for the duration of their stay. Other
than that, the out of pocket expenses are limited by what you can resist (restaurants in New Orleans are
definitely an indulgence worthy of submission). Except in certain specific cases, we regret that Gulf
Coast Works cannot provide financial assistance for travel expenses...the money we raise in donations is
used to directly benefit the victims of this national tragedy. If you cannot afford to pay for travel,
please email us at info@gulfcoastworks.org with details of your situation and we'll let you know
if we can help.
Airfare can be quite reasonable if you plan well. From Boston, we often see roundtrip fares in the $220-$240 range
that suits many of our volunteers. Of course, it does depend on when you are traveling (school vacation weeks can be
more expensive), where you're originating from, where you land, and how far in advance you purchase, so please try
to plan your travel sooner rather than later. There are two destinations to consider flying into New Orleans (MSY),
which is about a 30 minute drive to town, or Gulfport (GPT) which is the airport of choice for most Mississippi destinations.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We have often seen airfares fluctuate up and down for a given date, so if you think you've
lost that cheap flight you had your eye on, waiting a few days might see it go back down. Unfortunately, flying on
weekends does not always end up being the cheapest, so play around with flight days to see what kind of fares come
up. We can help you try to locate good travel deals...just ask and we'll check our favorite resources for you.
PLEASE GET US YOUR FLIGHT ITINERARY AS SOON AS IT'S BOOKED...WE CANNOT RESERVE A
SPACE FOR YOU AT ANY OF OUR HOST ORGANIZATIONS WITHOUT THIS CONFIRMATION.
Our host organizations provide room and (usually) food, for a reasonable daily fee in the $15 to $25 range.
The room and board provided is simple, functional and comfortable-enough, if you don't mind roughing it a bit. Some
facilities have an open warehouse-like building with a communal eating and hanging out area and a perimeter space
that has bunk beds for sleeping. Others have pre-fab bunk houses that sleep 8 to 12, with a communal space central to
all. The bottom line is, what you give up in privacy and creature comforts, you more than make up for by being part
of an incredibly uplifting, grassroots community that runs almost entirely on good will and the spirit of giving.
There are usually hot water showers, often a few communal computers to check email, and scores of outlets to recharge your
cellphone. Everyone works together to make it work, and it usually works suprisingly well. Security is generally very good,
but we do suggest you leave your valuable cameras and laptops at home. Bringing a cellphone is strongly advised, and point & shoot
digital cameras can be carried easily enough during the day. If you absolutely need your laptop to keep in touch with the office,
there is likely to be wireless internet (just ask and we’ll find out for you), but just to be clear, there are no ironclad
guarantees against theft. FYI, we often bring laptops and lock them in the rental car trunk during the day.
Breakfast
and dinner are usually provided at base, and lunch is often purchased at an eatery in the neighborhood you’re working
in. Dinner out at a restaurant is often a great way to end the work day, enjoy the regional culture, and support the local
economy, all at the same time.
You should plan on bringing a sleeping bag, a pillow, a towel, comfortable work clothes (long pants, at least one or two
long-sleeved shirts, and t-shirts to get dirty!), and a good pair of work or hiking boots (btw, it's also a good idea to be
up to date on your tetenus shot, but that's the only medical recommendation....no other vaccines or precautions are needed).
There are usually hot water showers, often a few communal computers to check email, and scores of outlets to recharge your
cellphone. Everyone works together to make it work, and it usually works incredibly well. Security is generally very good,
but we do suggest you leave your valuables (cameras, laptops) at home. If you absolutely need your laptop (and who
doesn't) there might be wireless internet (just ask and we’ll find out for you). Just to be clear, there are no ironclad
guarantees about security, but people are generally and predictably very respectful.
Organizing these work trips takes a number of people sharing different responsibilities. There are logistics issues, work-
site management issues, supply-chain issues, etc. Right now, you are at the start of the volunteering process, and we
ask that you follow up with us with any questions you may have.
We can then proceed efficiently and effectively to make the most of your time and ours.
Thanks again for your interest in our project, and we really look forward to working side-by-side with you helping
the people of the Gulf Coast.
"Sounds great", you say? Here's how to begin the process of volunteering...
Simply fill out our online volunteer form here
, which will tell us your availability and some other important information (like how to contact you).
Our Volunteer Coordinator will get back to you as soon as possible about current opportunities.
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