How to Help New Orleans Rebuild

The areas hit by Hurricane Katrina are still recovering, almost 2 1/2 years after the storm. Most people don't realize how much help the area still needs. New Orleans in particular will take years, if not decades, to rebuild. To get involved and help with recovery, follow these simple steps.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. The easiest way to help is by donating money. A quick online search with the keywords "Hurricane Katrina Donations" will point you in the right direction, and from there you can see what you'd like to donate and where.
2. For those who want to get more hands-on, there is the option of physically going down to New Orleans to help. This is best done with a group (church group, coworkers, family, friends and so on) and what you will most likely do is spend a week helping Habitat for Humanity with construction of houses. Visit their website (see Resources below) or call [phone] for more information and to set up your volunteer experience.
3. If you're a teacher, you're in high demand right now in New Orleans. Many are schools are still trying to get back on their feet, and many of the schools are still shut down. They need as many good teachers as they can get. Visit teachnola.org for more information (see Resources below).
4. For people who are living in the area, there are a number of ways to help. Help Habitat for Humanity with construction for a day, or visit handsonneworleans.org to find ways to get involved. If you wish to devote a year to helping the city, visit cityyear.org or americorps.gov to see how you can get involved (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• If you go down to New Orleans to help, prepare yourself by watching "When the Levees Broke" or reading about Hurricane Katrina. "One Dead in Attic" by Chris Rose" and "The Great Deluge" by Douglas Brinkley are two books that will provide a lot of insight into the tragedy.
• Make sure you're prepared for some of the devastation that still plagues the city, as it can be unsettling.
• Also enjoy what New Orleans has to offer. It's an amazing city, with tremendous heart and character. Take in the culture and benefits while you're there.