I fell in love with New Orleans the first time I went, which was in 2005—just a few days before Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast.
The city was welcoming, charming and magical. I loved everything about it–the food, the music, the locals and the culture. I adored the community and felt such an emotional connection to the Big Easy, so it was that much more crushing to watch the city fall victim to one the deadliest hurricanes.
I went back to New Orleans, a few years later, but not as a tourist. I went to volunteer and I signed up with a great organization called Hands on New Orleans. You can stay at their bunkhouse for just $35 a night, and that price includes basic groceries for breakfast and lunch, which is the best deal ever!
For dinners you’re on your own. You can buy food and cook at the bunkhouse—just be sure to clean up after yourself.
The bunkhouse is coed and you must volunteer daily in order to stay there, but you’re in charge of your own schedule. If this isn’t something you’re comfortable with, I’m sure you can stay somewhere else.
I got lucky when I was there and went on a holiday weekend, so I had a room to myself. There is always a staff member there on the premises in case you need anything, so I wasn’t totally alone, however, the staff member has their own space, so they don’t stay in the room with you.
You also must find your way to your work site. Transportation is not provided, but there are plenty of options like the street cars, bus, Uber/Lyft or you can rent a car.
What’s great about the program is that they partner with several nonprofits, so you can volunteer with a different organization every day. They accept groups of volunteers or you can go alone and make friends there, which is what I did.
As always, it’s important to only sign up for projects you’re qualified for, so please don’t take on things you’re not skilled for. Since HONO does work with so many different organizations, you can totally find something that fits your skill set.
I participated in various projects throughout NOLA, such as cleaning up the Lower Ninth Ward—one of the areas most affected by Katrina—painting a house that was in need of repair after the storm, feeding the homeless at the New Orleans Mission, and working in the New Orleans City Park and I still had time to enjoy the city since you can make your own hours for the most part.
It was one of the best volunteering experiences I’ve had, because I not only felt like I truly gave back, but I also have never encountered such appreciation and hospitality by a city before. The people are incredibly grateful for the help and will go out of their way to thank you.
And HONO is also currently deploying volunteers to Texas to muck and gut houses damaged by Hurricane Harvey. Check out their site for more details.