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Community Development Volunteer Project in the USA - New Orleans

Community Development Volunteer Project in the USA - New Orleans

This project is currently not accepting applications.
Check out this similar project in San Juan
Purpose
Support marginalized & low-income communities
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 5 hours a day
Age
Volunteer groups of 8+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style
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Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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This program is ideal for:

Volunteers who are passionate about helping vulnerable people and communities through local initiatives that make sure those in need are able to access services and support. The project is only available for groups of 8+. Please contact our Group Support Team for more details. For individual volunteers or smaller groups, check out this similar project in San Juan.

Project details

Inspired to be a Community Development volunteer in USA - New Orleans? International Volunteer HQ’s Community Development project enables volunteers to help worthy local initiatives that serve disadvantaged communities in New Orleans. The city is still recovering from the long-term effects of Hurricane Katrina while being further impacted by Hurricane Ida, and volunteers can help make sure there is access to food, shelter, clothing and other necessities for those who need them.

What to expect and how you'll make an impact

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, homelessness and poverty skyrocketed in New Orleans, and the long-term effects of this are still being felt today. Volunteers and NGOs help to make sure the Hurricane survivors and other vulnerable populations are able to receive shelter, food, clothing and support.

Many organizations in New Orleans provide important support to disadvantaged people in a range of ways. Volunteers on the Community Development project boost their resources and enable them to make as big an impact as possible.

As a Community Development volunteer you will assist with a number of different initiatives, depending on where the need is greatest. You could be placed in a warehouse, homeless shelter, food bank, church or farmers’ market to provide targeted support wherever it’s needed. Your tasks may vary but can include:

  • Serving meals
  • Sorting donated food, clothing or household goods
  • Packing grocery boxes
  • Helping organizations to clean and beautify their spaces
Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #10: Reduced Inequalities

Contributes to United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal #10: Reduced Inequalities

Covid-19 has deepened existing inequalities, hitting disadvantaged and minority communities the hardest. To reduce inequalities, we must provide better services and support to refugees, migrants, indigenous peoples and people with disabilities.

Why do Community Development volunteering in New Orleans with IVHQ?

When you volunteer to help disadvantaged communities in New Orleans you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:

  • Improving access to basic necessities for vulnerable people
  • Supporting local initiatives to help their communities
  • Developing your communication skills
  • Gaining a wide range of volunteer experience
  • Learning about community development
  • Exploring New Orleans and Louisiana

Volunteer requirements

Volunteers aged over 18 on their start date are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ before departure.

All volunteers must speak English and have adequate volunteer travel insurance.

This project is currently not accepting applications.

Check out this similar project in San Juan, Puerto Rico


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'Who is going' users image
Who is going?
Group video calls

Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.

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Academic course credit

Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.

Academic course credit

Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!

Learn about course credit

Location

Volunteer Abroad in the USA, New Orleans with IVHQ

Location

The IVHQ USA volunteer program has volunteer placements located in the neighborhoods around New Orleans, the largest city in the state of Louisiana.

New Orleans is a place like no other. It’s one of the most vibrant cities in the world and famed for its live music, festivals, food, nightlife, friendly locals, blend of cultural influences and buzzing atmosphere.

Whether you are looking for short term volunteer opportunities, or longer volunteer vacations in the USA, the IVHQ New Orleans volunteer program can support you to make a positive difference while experiencing everything that this iconic city has to offer.

Arrival and orientation

A general program orientation will be held prior to your project starting and the timing for this will be advised based on your specific schedule. Your orientation typically covers an introduction to New Orleans, reflection on the importance of volunteering, code of conduct and expectations, transportation and safety instructions, and an overview of the week.

After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in New Orleans.

Volunteer schedule example

As your group schedule will be customized based on your choice of package and customizations, this will be finalized ahead of your arrival in New Orleans.

Typically a 1 week schedule will have you arrive on Sunday, volunteer Monday - Friday, and depart Saturday.

Weekdays

Volunteer schedules vary based on the organization you’re placed with and the time of year. A typical volunteer day may look like:

8:00 - 9:00 AM After breakfast, travel to placement to join the local staff. Receive a project-specific briefing and begin work on your project.
12:00 - 1:00 PM Your project will likely finish at lunchtime. Depending on your choice of package you may have lunch included, or you’re free to enjoy some of the local dining options.
1:00 - 5:00 PM Depending on your choice of package, you may have cultural or sightseeing activities planned. Otherwise take this opportunity to relax or explore this vibrant city independently.
Evenings: You’ll either have dinners included, or you’ll be free to choose from one of the many great local dining and entertainment options New Orleans offers.

Weekends and Free Time

You’ll have the chance to truly explore New Orleans in your free time. This Louisianian city is the home of all that’s good in life - mouthwatering food, soulful music and fun loving, welcoming people. The fusion of Cajun, Creole, French, and African influences have made this resilient American city a unique place to visit today. Start by exploring the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, famous for its grand architecture and lively street life. Discover Treme, the city’s brass band powerhouse and cultural pulse. Make the most of Crescent Park which stretches 1.4 miles along the riverfront and enjoy the bike lanes which run from the Bywater to the Marigny. Watch the transformation of Bourbon Street at twilight as the home of jazz comes alive and the live music starts up. Or, head further afield and take in the wild backwaters, Mississippi River, and vast sugarcane fields on a swamp tour.

You’ll have worked up quite an appetite by then, so sit back and recharge with a feast of shrimp gumbo, or maybe just a bite of a po’boy sandwich or a spoonful of jambalaya.

And, don’t think Mardi Gras or the Jazz Fest are the only times the city’s in the festival swing. Be ready to make the most of the impromptu, authentic festivals and parades that pop up across the city most weekends. It’s an expression of the strong community spirit and thriving arts community.

But most importantly come to New Orleans with an open mind and ready to embrace the city’s motto, ‘laissez les bon temps rouler’, which translates to ‘let the good times roll’.

Accommodation and WiFi

Volunteers are accommodated in gender-specific dormitory accommodation - either at a volunteer housing facility or public hostel (subject to package choice). Separate or private accommodations can be arranged for group chaperones.

The standard accommodations will have shared bathroom facilities which will vary according to the specific housing your group is assigned.

Meals

As one of the culinary capitals of the United States, you’ll quickly fall in love with the unique cuisine of New Orleans that reflects the city’s French, African and American roots.

Your choice of package will determine the meals you receive as part of your program fee. Many accommodations will also offer the option to prepare your own meals.

Please let us know in your application if you have specific dietary requirements.

Pricing

  • USD

Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately $299) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.

You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.

Your group experience can be fully customized based on the services you require. Please choose from one of the following Program Fee packages as a pricing guide, and contact the Group Support Team for any additional customizations you require and to confirm your price.* Prices are subject to confirmation of your group size.

  • Standard Package - from US$498 per person*
  • Priority Package - from US$728 per person*
  • Preferred Package - from US$1,197 per person*
  • All inclusive Package - from US$1,398*

All packages attract a Registration Fee of US$370 per person in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services. A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.

Payment deadlines and cancellation conditions may differ from the standard group terms and conditions based on the specific time you’re looking to volunteer and demand on housing in New Orleans.

Check what's required to visit the United States

Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.

Safety and support

A smiling volunteer traveller wearing a traditional Andean poncho stands in front of the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain in Peru. The landscape features vibrant red, yellow, and green hues across the mountains, with a small lake visible in the background.

Safety and support

IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.

  • All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
  • All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
  • All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
  • All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Learn more about IVHQ's safety

Essential country information

Essential city information

City New Orleans
Population 1.26 Million
Languages English
Currency United States Dollar (USD)
Time zone UTC-06:00 (Summer UTC-05:00)

Weather and climate

New Orleans’ southern location means that the climate is humid subtropical, with short, mild winters and hot, humid summers. July is the hottest month in New Orleans with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and the coldest is January at 13°C (55°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 12 in June. The wettest month is July with an average of 168mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in July when the average sea temperature is 30°C (86°F).

What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience

KP
Kenett Ponce Zamora

Try new things as it can make you learn more. Not just about a community but you can also make a lot of friends as well as immerse yourself in a new environment that you can learn new skills from.

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MH
Melissa Hernandez Nieto

IVHQ made it such an easy process to apply, register and prepare for my volunteer trip!

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RT
Rim Tohme

I had a lot of moments were I felt very content with the work that I was doing. I asked an elderly lady to excuse me so that I can mop the floor underneath where she was sitting, then we started conversing. She told me about hurricane Katrina and what New Orleans went through during that time. She showed me a lot of strength when she talked about how they lost their house by saying that this loss had its positive as well as its negative impacts on her. There were also moments of smiling at children who come with their parents to the food pantry, wishing a Muslim family a happy Ramadan in Arabic, and wishing all a happy Easter. Working in the community center was a very well rounded experience. The biggest impact this volunteering trip has had on me is the realization of how I can converse with all people. I am so grateful for that, and I definitely have more to learn. It is through experiences like this that I gain more empathy and understanding towards all people of all backgrounds. It can be scary to be a new place which is foreign to you while also having a responsibility to help out its community. This fear should not however stop you from leaving a good impact on communities that need your help. It also should not stop you from your journey of self- exploration which happens through meeting new people and being in a new space.

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JW
Joanne Wallace

It was impactful meeting local people who worked at the volunteering placements, learning about the Deep South culture in the USA and seeing how helpful people were to each other. Just do it!

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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.

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How to get started

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Pay the Registration Fee to secure your place and upgrade your MyIVHQ account
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