TABLE OF CONTENTS
Registration Information
Registration .......................................................................................... 2
Pre-Trip Communication ........................................................................ 2
Financial Contribution ............................................................................ 2
Payment Schedule ................................................................................ 3
Refund Policy ........................................................................................ 3
Transportation ...................................................................................... 3
Age Policies .......................................................................................... 3
Rules and Expectations ......................................................................... 4
Project Homecoming Volunteer Village
Housing Information ............................................................................. 6
Programming ........................................................................................ 7
Daily Schedule ...................................................................................... 8
Trip Preparation
Packing Lists ....................................................................................... 10
Volunteer Work
Working on Project Homecoming Sites ................................................. 12
Group Items needed on Site ................................................................ 12
Work Projects ..................................................................................... 13
New Orleans and Project Homecoming Information
Mission Statement ............................................................................... 15
Who We Are ....................................................................................... 15
Accomplishments ................................................................................ 15
Project Homecoming FAQ’s .................................................................. 16
Forms and Registration
Registration
To schedule a volunteer week with Project Homecoming, please contact the Village
Manager at (504) 942-0444 ext. 225 or volunteer@projecthomecoming.net.
It is best to designate only one person as the group leader and point of contact.
Pre-Trip Communication
Project Homecoming staff is always available to address questions and concerns as they
arise. We will also be in contact in the weeks and days leading up to your volunteer
week to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
About ten days before your arrival, we will call to confirm the details about your trip
and arrival. This will be another opportunity to ask any questions you may have as you
finish making your preparations.
Team leaders will receive a deployment email the Thursday before arrival with crew and
project assignments. Group leaders will be responsible for dividing groups up based on
the numbers provided on the deployment.
If any of the following information changes, please contact the Project Homecoming
staff immediately:
Total number of volunteers
Male/female breakdown
Number and type of vehicles
Travel plans and approximate arrival time
Special needs of the group (medical needs, dietary needs, alternate travel plans)
Financial Contribution
All volunteers are asked to make a financial contribution of $25 per person, per night.
This helps us cover the costs of housing, supplies, and supervision. We set up
meaningful projects and make sure you have the resources you need to complete the
work.
Payments can be made either by check or by credit card. Checks should be made out to
Project Homecoming. In the memo line, include your group name and volunteer dates.
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Payment & Registration Schedule
A deposit of $400 per group is due 12 weeks prior to the group’s arrival. The remaining
balance should be paid upon arrival. Group numbers and dates should be finalized 6
weeks prior to arrival.
Refund & Cancellation Policy
All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.
For groups that cancel 6-12 weeks prior to scheduled arrival, the deposit will be
considered a donation to Project Homecoming. You will not owe any of the remaining
balance.
Changes to registration made within 6 weeks of group’s arrival:
 If your group cancels, you will owe half of the remaining balance as it stood 6
weeks prior to arrival.
 If group numbers drop, you will owe the full amount for volunteers coming and
half the cost for volunteers cancelling.
 If you change the number of days your group is staying, you will owe full
amount for the days you are staying and half the cost for the days you are
cancelling.
Transportation
All groups are responsible for their own transportation during the week. The Village
parking lot can accommodate vans and small church buses. Groups that are flying to
New Orleans should rent vehicles upon arrival. Be advised, that a couple smaller
vehicles will be better than one large vehicle, because large groups will often be split
between two worksites and will have to drive separately.
Age Policies
Groups bringing youth (ages 14 –18), must maintain a youth to adult ratio of 3 to 1.
Youth will only be allowed to use power tools if their parental guardian has signed the
waiver. Even then, it is up to the discretion of the Work Site Managers and Construction
Manager to decide which youth will use which tools. All youth will have to be trained by
Work Site Managers to use power tools.
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Rules and Expectations
Project Homecoming has established these rules for volunteers working and staying with us:
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Drug and alcohol use is prohibited both at the Village and at worksites.
Firearms are prohibited both at the Village and at the worksite.
Volunteer groups on each work site must have their own vehicle, First Aid kit, and cell
phone. Please communicate with the Village Manager if this is not possible.
All volunteers must follow all safety rules as outlined in the safety packet and given
through staff instruction.
Do not promise or perform any work on homes outside the scope of assigned work
without first talking to a staff member.
When working in people’s homes and communities, be sensitive to their concerns and
privacy. Respect the confidentiality of those with whom you are working.
Ask permission before taking photos.
Please do not take any mementos from work sites without permission.
Wear proper attire at the worksite and at the village
No pets are permitted at the village or on the job site.
Remember that you are a representative of Project Homecoming as well as your own
organization while in the community. Please act accordingly with appropriated manners
and sensitivity.
Use stewardship with tools and materials (measure twice, cut once).
Project Homecoming does not tolerate abuse or harassment of any kind. Sexual, verbal
or physical abuse will be grounds for immediate dismissal/removal from the village
and/or worksite.
Please respect the privacy of our volunteers; females please stay out of male sleeping
quarters and males please stay out of female sleeping quarters.
Report any and all injuries to village staff and worksite staff. You must complete an
injury report as soon as possible following an accident and submit it to the village staff
or worksite staff.
Project Homecoming will provide basic safety equipment. It is each team’s responsibility
to ensure that every member of the team uses the equipment provided. You must
immediately report to your worksite manager any problems with equipment that does
not fit correctly or is not usable.
As part of our daily operations, each group will be assigned daily chores at the Village.
It is expected that every person on the team contribute to the completion of the group’s
chores.
You will be asked to clean up after yourselves. We also ask that you be considerate of
the village environment and expectations.
Bathrooms: Do not leave personal items in the showers or public areas. Wipe down the
sinks and mirrors. Do not leave towels or clothes in the shower and bathroom area.
Quiet hours begin at 10 pm. If you would like to socialize, listen to music, make noise,
etc. past this time, you must do so in the rec room or dining room.
The parking lot gate should be locked each night at 10 pm.
Check-in and check-out
o Check-in: Sunday afternoon between 3 and 8 pm, unless otherwise arranged
o Check-out: Any time before 11 am on Saturday, unless otherwise arranged
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PROJECT HOMECOMING’S
VOLUNTEER VILLAGE
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Project Homecoming’s Volunteer Village
Village Contact Information
4523 Read Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70127
Village Office Phone: (504) 942-0444 ext. 225
Village Manager On-Call Phone: (504) 289-0337
Email: volunteer@projecthomecoming.net
Housing
Housing at the Village
Project Homecoming has its own housing facility called the Village, located in New
Orleans East. The Village can accommodate up to 90 volunteers in 6 rooms with bunk
beds. There is a common room for relaxing with sofas, books, and games. All rooms are
air conditioned and heated. All volunteer groups share the same sleeping lounging, and
kitchen facilities and the cleaning responsibilities of these areas. The Village has village
managers on staff that will provide orientation and organize the volunteer teams who
are staying at the Village each week, since the volunteer groups share in the cooking,
chores, and other responsibilities around the Village.
Financial Contribution
All volunteers are asked to make a financial contribution of $25 per person, per night.
This helps us cover the costs of housing, supplies, and supervision. We set up
meaningful projects and make sure you have the resources you need to complete the
work.
Payments can be made either by check or by credit card. Checks should be made out to
Project Homecoming. In the memo line, include your group name and volunteer dates.
Please see the section on page 2 for the payment schedule and refund policy.
Sleeping
The Village can accommodate up to 90 volunteers in 6 rooms with bunk beds.
Volunteers must bring their own bedding and pillows. Groups will be split between
rooms by gender.
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Food
Project Homecoming provides all of the food and cooking supplies needed for meals
from Sunday dinner through Friday lunch. The cooking responsibilities will be shared
between volunteer groups. The Village staff will help to lead each group in meal
preparation and will provide all of the necessary recipes and instructions.
Showers
The showers at the Village are located in a trailer separate from the dormitories, and
volunteers will have to walk outside to get to them. There are four showers for each
gender.
Laundry
The Village has laundry facilities that are for staff and emergency purposes only.
Cleaning
All of the cleaning responsibilities are shared by all volunteer groups throughout the
week. Each group will be assigned specific chores to complete every day. Chores will be
done in the morning and in the evening. The chores include: meal prep, meal cleanup,
sweeping and mopping, cleaning showers or bathrooms, taking out trash and recycling,
etc.
Programming
The Village offers some programming in the evenings for volunteers. Tuesday
afternoons, our Work Site Managers lead a disaster tour of New Orleans. Wednesday
evenings, a representative from CHART, a local organization, gives a short presentation
on the nearby wetlands and coastline. Then, weather and daylight permitting,
volunteers are able to go out for a quick tour of a nearby bayou. Thursday nights are
Neighbor Night at the Village. Volunteers prepare traditional jambalaya. We invite
Project Homecoming staff and homeowners out to join volunteers and share their
stories and experiences.
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Daily Schedule
This is a schedule for a typical week at Project Homecoming, but is subject to change.
Sunday - Welcome and Registration at Olive Tree Volunteer Village
6:00 pm: Village Orientation
6:45 pm: Dinner
7:30 pm: Group leader check-in with Village managers and paperwork collection
10:00 pm: Quiet Time
Monday
7:00 am: Breakfast/ Lunch Preparation/ Morning Chores
8:15 am: Project Homecoming Orientation with Worksite Managers
9:00 am - 4:30 pm: Worksites
6:30: Dinner
10:00 pm: Quiet Time
Tuesday
7:00 am: Breakfast/ Lunch Preparation/ Morning Chores
8:30 am - 2:00 pm: Worksites
2:30 pm: Disaster Tour of New Orleans (meet at the main office at 2221 Filmore Ave.)
6:30 pm: Dinner
7:00 pm: Evening Activities: French Quarter Night!
10:00 pm: Quiet Time
Wednesday
7:00 am: Breakfast/ Lunch Preparation/ Morning Chores
8:30 am – 4:30: Worksites
6:00 pm: Dinner
7:00 pm: CHART Tour and Presentation
10:00 pm: Quiet Time
Thursday
7:00 am: Breakfast/ Lunch Preparation/ Morning Chores
8:30 am - 4:30 pm: Worksites
6:30 pm: New Orleans Neighbor Night!
10:00 pm: Quiet Time
Friday
7:00 am: Breakfast/ Lunch Preparation/ Morning Chores
8:30 am - 4:30 pm: Worksites
Dinner and Evening Activities on your own
Saturday
Check out by noon
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TRIP PREPARATIONS
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Trip Preparations
Packing
Things to Bring
Bedding or sleeping bag
Pillow
Towel
T-shirts, casual or work shirts
Jeans or cotton shorts or pants
Socks and underwear
Heavy work shoes and tennis shoes (must have closed-toed shoes to work onsite)
Flip flops for showers
Sleeping attire
Personal toiletries
Sunscreen and sunburn relief lotion
Rain gear
Hat, visor, bandana, and/or sweatband
Water bottle
Fanny pack or backpack
Leather or heavy-duty work gloves
Bible
Journal
Books or Magazine
Extra changes of clothes; you will go through several outfits every day because of the
heat
Safety goggles, work gloves, earplugs, and dust masks will be provided, but feel free to
bring personal equipment if preferred
Do not bring items that you will be uncomfortable leaving in a dorm room during the
day. We do not suggest bringing any valuables to the worksite.
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VOLUNTEER WORK
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Volunteer Work
Working on Project Homecoming Sites
Supervision
Each worksite will have a Work Site Manager that is in charge of the project. Each site
will also have a Construction Manager that is a professional and in charge of 3-5
worksites. The Work Site Manager will be on site with you every day. You will talk to
your Work Site Manager daily about your projects and any needs and/or questions you
many have. The Work Site Manager gives out instructions and assigns tasks to
volunteers.
Daily Tasks
Work projects can range from framing to drywall to painting to landscaping. Tasks will
vary based on the worksite. You’ll be provided with a brief scope of work for the week
in the deployment email sent out the Thursday before your arrival. All projects will be
skill appropriate. All project teams will have a Project Homecoming staff member
working with them to ensure safety, effectiveness, and fun. Staff will make sure all
volunteers receive adequate training before assigning tasks. If at any time you feel
uncomfortable with or unsure about the task you are assigned, please speak with your
Work Site Manager.
Group Items Needed on Site
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First Aid Kit: each group is responsible for providing their own first aid kit, which
must be on site with them.
Medial Forms: each person will need to keep the worksite copy of their medical
information with them on site
Safety Packet: each crew member must have read and signed the Safety Packet
included in the volunteer packet included in the volunteer packet.
Worksite Binder: Upon arrival, each group leader will be given a binder with
information about working on site. This should stay with you all week and then
be returned to the Village manager at the end of the week.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): On Monday, each group will receive a bin
with safety equipment such as goggles, dust masks, gloves, etc. The bin, along
with all the equipment, must be returned to the Village at the end of the week.
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Work Projects
Home Rebuilds
Project Homecoming works with low-income survivors of Hurricane Katrina who need
assistance rebuilding their flood-damaged homes. The homeowners have been screener
through case management to determine their need for assistance. The rebuilding of
homes has been and continues to be a primary activity for many volunteers who work
with Project Homecoming.
New Home Construction
Project Homecoming has been selected by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority
to develop 11 new homes and renovate 2 storm-damaged properties in the Gentilly
neighborhood of New Orleans. The 11 new homes are being constructed on lots left
empty after the demolition of floor-damaged houses. Both the new construction and
renovations are part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 2 (NSP2) which is
funded by the department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This subsidy will
be passed on to low-income homebuyers to make the houses affordable. Preference will
be given to survivors of Hurricane Katrina in the disposition of these homes. The
assistance of volunteers in building these homes helps to make them even more
affordable.
Blight Reduction
Project Homecoming partners with neighborhood associations to identify blighted,
storm damaged properties that are impacting the safety and welfare of the community.
Project Homecoming volunteers have been involved in clearing overgrown vacant lots,
boarding vacant properties, and clearing rubble and brush from neighborhood parks.
Project Homecoming has partnered with a neighborhood association to transform a
blighted vacant lot into a community garden and citrus grove. We are also identifying
storm-damaged houses that we acquire and renovate into affordable homes for lowincome households. Volunteers working on these projects are helping to stabilize
storm-damaged, distressed neighborhoods.
Other Community Projects
Project Homecoming partners with schools, churches, and other neighborhood
organizations to identify additional projects that improve the welfare of storm-damaged
communities. Project Homecoming volunteers have painted schools, repaired flood
damaged church properties, built wheelchair ramps, and planted trees. Volunteers
working on these projects are supporting the long-term recovery of these
neighborhoods as we facilitate a culture of care in flood-damaged, distressed areas of
the city.
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NEW ORLEANS & PH INFORMATION
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New Orleans and PH Information
Project Homecoming, Inc. Mission Statement
Project Homecoming is a faith-based community development organization building
resilient neighborhoods in the greater New Orleans area. We are committed to
facilitating a culture of care in targeted communities through safe, durable, affordable,
and environmentally sensitive construction; community driven partnerships; service and
fellowships.
Who We Are
 Project Homecoming began as a rebuilding ministry of the Presbytery of South
Louisiana, funded by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
 Initially focused primarily on clearing debris and gutting houses, the presbytery
then directed their attention towards facilitating a long-term recovery effort,
which led to the formation of Project Homecoming in April of 2007
 Utilizing both volunteer labor as well as an experienced construction staff, Project
Homecoming works to rebuild the homes and communities of survivors of
Hurricane Katrina
 Since its inception in 2007, Project Homecoming has not been dedicated solely to
the rebuilding of homes, but also actively provided assistance to uninsured,
underinsured, elderly and/or disabled hurricane survivors in attaining their dream
of homeownership. Project Homecoming has, and continues to, focus on
stabilizing and strengthening the resilience of the larger community through
community development projects and by working with neighborhood associations
 In August of 2011, Project Homecoming made significant strides forward in its
organizational narrative as it attained 501(c)(3) status, officially declaring Project
Homecoming an independent non-profit.
 Although now an independent entity, the Project Homecoming core mission
remains the same and we continue to find new and innovative ways in which to
enrich the city of New Orleans
Accomplishments
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Managed over 10,000 volunteers and more than 400,000 volunteer hours
Completed more than 150 houses in greater New Orleans area
Leveraged over $10 million in private funding
Qualified for NSP2 funding in 2011 and completed more than 4 homes under the
NSP2 funding
Established a reputable Youth Group Summer Mission program and Long-Term
Volunteer program
Partnered with the Bunny Friends Neighborhood Association in creating the
Bunny Friends citrus grove
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Project Homecoming Frequent Asked Questions
How much work has been done? What is the state of the need in New Orleans? Why
isn’t everyone back in their homes?
In November, 2011 there were 40,541 blighted properties or empty residential lots in
New Orleans, representing damaged or demolished properties due to Hurricane Katrina.
That number is down from 65‚428 in March of 2008. There are currently around
100,000 fewer residents in the city than before the storm, with some still trying to
return. The largest demographics lagging behind as far as numbers of people returned
are African Americans and families with children.
Louisiana’s “Road Home” program provided some financial assistance to Hurricane
Katrina survivors whose homes were damaged by the storm, but statistics indicate that
about 10,000 of these homeowners have not yet been able to complete the rebuilding
of their homes. Some may have chosen not to rebuild, run out of funds or been ripped
off by unscrupulous contractors.
How are homeowners and work projects selected?
Homeowners are generally served first-come-first serve. They must fit the following
criteria: All those assisted are low-income, defined as having an income at or below
80% of the Area Median Income for New Orleans. They must also have a relatively
clear title to the home, have owned the home before the storm (or in rare cases, have a
good reason why they had to move), and do not have the resources to rebuild their
home. Preference is given to disabled and elderly individuals.
If a project does not involve the rebuilding of a storm damaged home owned by a
Katrina survivor, the project must be located in hurricane damaged neighborhoods and
the need for the project has been identified in partnership with a neighborhood
association or community nonprofit or city agency.
Next the project is evaluated to determine if the work can be done safely by volunteers.
The final step is to secure funding. This can come from a number of sources (more
funding information below).
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Once the home is deemed constructible, and the funding is available to complete the
majority of the home, the home is given a project number and is entered into a log of
projects that are ready to begin. Before work begins, homeowners meet with Project
Homecoming staff to review the project’s Scope of Work and sign paperwork. The
homeowner is also given a copy of the Project Homecoming Construction Standards and
kept updated on the progress of the project.
Does Project Homecoming require any kind of “sweat equity”?
Project Homecoming does not specifically require homeowners to work on their houses,
as many of the homeowners are physically unable to do so. However, homeowners
commit to find at least one way that they can help Project Homecoming’s mission or
show their appreciation for the volunteers working on their home, such as cooking a
meal for volunteers once a week or visiting the volunteers at the worksite. Some
homeowners may be living out of state while they wait for their home to be rebuilt, and
some have families and full-time jobs. Each homeowner’s situation is different, and the
way that a homeowner can help is also different.
How can I donate to Project Homecoming?
All donations support the assistance that Project Homecoming provides persons who
are low-income, uninsured, underinsured, elderly, and/or disabled who are struggling to
rebuild their homes following Hurricane Katrina. Project Homecoming is a 501(c)3
organization, and your gifts are tax deductible. To donate to Project Homecoming,
please write a check payable to “Project Homecoming.” Send it to:
Project Homecoming, 2221 Filmore Ave, New Orleans, LA 70122
You can also donate through PayPal on our website at www.projecthomecoming.net
Where does funding come from?
Funding for Construction Costs of Projects
Funding for materials, subcontractors, and equipment comes from many sources. For
rebuilds, homeowners are asked to put whatever resources they have available toward
the project. Some homeowners have money from insurance or programs like Road
Home. Often times this funding is not enough to hire a contractor to do the work, but
is enough to pay for materials while we manage the rebuild and volunteers
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provide the labor. Funding also comes from organizations like the Red Cross, Salvation
Army, or other large philanthropic businesses. If all other resources are exhausted,
Project Homecoming uses “Unmet Needs funds” that have come from grants or
donations. Volunteers who organize fundraising campaigns and donate funds
themselves play a major role in recovery. The “Homes for Christmas” or “Adopt a
Home” funds are a way for congregations, groups, and volunteers to donate to the
costs of these projects.
Administrative Overhead
Now that Project Homecoming is a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity, we will seek private
foundation grants and state and federal funding for operations into the future. The
successful selection of Project Homecoming by the New Orleans Redevelopment
Authority to receive funding through the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP2)
funded by HUD is an example of the direction we hope to continue to take toward
sustainability. Funding also comes from contributions made by individuals and churches.
How else can I help?
The news is no longer telling the story of the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of
Katrina as neighborhoods struggle to rebuild. You are our most effective advocates in
telling the story of the recovery and the work still to be done in New Orleans. We can
help to provide you with DVDs, brochures, and other information that assists you in
fundraising and in speaking about what you have experienced in New Orleans. .
What type of work can volunteers do and not do?
Project Homecoming is proud that its volunteers come with a myriad of skill levels.
Volunteers have done virtually every aspect of rebuilding except those prohibited by
local code. The majority of the work that volunteers do is listed below.
Home Construction
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Ceramic Tile and Bamboo Floor Installation
Roofing and Framing
Painting
Siding
Insulating
Door Installation
Trim Installation
Drywall Installation and Finishing
Window Installation
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What does the future look like for Project Homecoming?
Project Homecoming is now a 501(c)3 nonprofit community development organization
that maintains an affiliation with the Presbytery of South Louisiana, Presbyterian Church
(USA). Our mission is to continue to support the long-term recovery of distressed
neighborhoods through affordable housing initiatives and community-based
partnerships.
Project Homecoming has built a strong reputation through quality construction,
emphasis on community-based partnerships, commitment to green building, and
efficient and effective use of volunteers. The fact that the New Orleans Redevelopment
Authority selected Project Homecoming to build 8 new homes and renovate 6 as part of
the NSP2 program bodes well for the future. It is hoped that this collaboration with
NORA will be the beginning of additional opportunities for Project Homecoming to
acquire storm damaged vacant lots or blighted properties for redevelopment into
affordable housing and other neighborhood initiatives.
The news is no longer telling the story of the ongoing challenges faced by survivors of
Katrina as neighborhoods struggle to rebuild. Volunteers are our most effective
advocates in telling the story of the recovery and the work still to be done in New
Orleans.
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