Volunteer
Construction
To book a volunteer group, please go to our homepage and click “Book a Group.”
Camp Restore volunteers continue to take part in the complete spectrum of work involved in rebuilding homes damaged by Katrina’s floodwaters, from mucking and gutting to drywalling, flooring and painting. At this point, most homes have been gutted and the work is focused on rebuilding, but completely untouched homes are still encountered from time to time.
Many homes and buildings were filled with mud and debris, which must be removed along with all interior contents before rebuilding can begin. This is the narthex of Christ Lutheran Church in Chalmette, LA (next to the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans) before cleanup began. Note the waterline is exactly the height of the River Jordan in the stained glass window depicting Jesus’ baptism.
Volunteers begin the gutting process.
Moldy flood-damaged drywall must be completely removed.
Once left bare, wall studs are treated to prevent mold from returning.
Interior contents are piled up on the front lawn for pickup.
New drywall is hung…
…mudded and sanded…
…followed by texture spraying…
…and painting.
Tile floors are used most often.
Once a home is complete, volunteers gather for a house blessing.
Welcome home!
In addition to construction work, Camp Restore volunteers also have the opportunity to engage in community projects in partnership with over 50 other nonprofits in the New Orleans area. Click here to find out more.