VISION and Camp Talahi

All participants are required to attend an orientation session at least two weeks prior to departure. The purpose of this gathering is for you to get to know each other, hear updated information about the trip, make work assignments, learn about New Orleans and the nature of the work you will be doing. We will also cover safety issues - physical and emotional and explore what your presence as a volunteer brings to those suffering from a catastrophe. This will also help us coordinate transportation for supplies and tools and maybe even pillows!

 

Participants must arrange their own transportation to New Orleans. It is also important to know for those who plan to drive themselves how many passengers they could transport to the work site. It may be necessary to rent a van for our group.

 

The work trip budget includes estimated cost for lodging, food, and transportation. We are asking congregations to donate additional resources to cover incidentals, safety equipment, and to help defray unexpected on site costs for the group. Purchasing materials for work groups costs a lot of money that many organizations do not have. Some of the most welcome words they can hear are “we have money to by the supplies or help with supplies”! Gift cards to Lowes or Home Depot are much appreciated.

 

Participant fees are $250. One person will be assigned to be the treasurer and will keep cash and travelers checks for the group to purchase food and necessary supplies. The treasurer will also be responsible for keeping track of expenditures and receipts. Any personal expenses - snacks, additional water, personal supplies or if you would like to “eat out” will be on your own.

 

Our group will be staying at St. Matthews UCC at 1333 S. Carrolton in New Orleans. St. Matthews provides cots and air beds to sleep on. Participants will need to bring twin sized sheets and light blanket (It will be warm!) The church has a kitchen where our group will prepare meals and shower facilities. We will meet for daily devotions and debriefing sessions.

Surrounding hotels are generally booked up and are extremely expensive. All participants will need to stay at St. Matthews - it simplifies transportation and builds community and support within our group.

 

The exact nature of the work we will be doing in not know at this time. As best we know, we will be working with UCC churches and members homes doing clean up and repair.   It depends on the progress of groups before us and the work will continue after our week is over. Work will be assigned by our Project manager who will have the skills information survey. Your skills may be used in ways you have not foreseen. Disaster needs change day to day, week to week. The needs when you first volunteered may have shifted, and your group may now face new challenges. Flexibility is a key ingredient in disaster volunteering.   As we get closer to our work we will have a better idea of what we will be doing and the tools and supplies we will be asked to bring.

 

New Orleans in May tends to be hot and humid. Most of the work will be outside and in spaces not air conditioned. Everyone will need to be up to date on their tetanus vaccinations. Participants must wear protective clothing - tyvek suits, face masks, and rubber gloves/work gloves as the situation demands. Much of the work will be done in dusty, moldy, dank places. The group will take with them a comprehensive first aid kit. Heat stress, sunburn, dust, mold, piles of debris and standing water are potential dangers. It is recommended that you bring insect repellent.

 

Our group will be divided into three teams. Each group will have an assigned task - grocery shopping, food preparation/clean up, and evening devotions. In addition to the treasurer, a photographer and a secretary will be assigned. The photographer will take photos each work day - this is great so not everybody will be snapping photos which can be uncomfortable for the “locals”. This person will make significant photos available to the groups for presentations after the work trip is over. The secretary will be responsible for keep a group journal, writing thank you notes and keep track of significant people you meet so the group will have them after the trip.

 

Remember that you are guests and servants. Thinking about how guests act when they visit someone’s home is helpful as you enter into someone else’s “home”. Your attitude of servant hood is also helpful as you work together with your hosts. Try to serve “with” and not “for” your hosts.

You will be traveling and working in a group. Flexibility, humor, patience, listening skills, self care and a positive attitude are all important. You may experience many different emotions - and aches and pains during your time of service.