Ecumenical Work Week III: Worship, Witness, and Work
Gulfport and New Orleans, August 2–8 , 2009

What it is?

The National Council of Churches will host Ecumenical Work Week III: Worship, Witness & Work August 2–8, 2009 in Gulfport, Mississippi and New Orleans, Louisiana. This week of ministry and fellowship will not only help those still experiencing the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina but will highlight the need for continued work and ministry in this impacted region. 

Three years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, residents continue their efforts to rebuild. But they need our support. The faith community was there as first responders. We will continue to be there for the victims of this storm until the work is done. Come to New Orleans & Gulfport as we worship, witness and work together to help those in need as they rebuild their homes, churches, communities and lives.  

How do I participate in Ecumenical Work Week? 

1.        Assign a group leader to be responsible for making and confirming reservations. If you aren’t coming in a group, you are still very welcome to participate.

2.        Choose either New Orleans, La. or Gulfport, Miss. to work for the week.

3.        Download the registration form here and return it with the $25 per person registration fee.

4.        Once the forms are received, you will receive a confirmation letter/email and a volunteer information packet.  The volunteer information packet will be detailed information on housing, the agenda, what to expect and what to bring. 

Travel 

Please provide your own transportation to and from your cities and during your stay.  Flight arrangements can be made to fly directly into the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport or the Biloxi/Gulfport Airport. Vans are especially useful to transport volunteers. 

Housing 

Once you have registered, we will work with you to arrange housing. Here are some early group housing options.  

Mississippi

Camp Coast Care
Attn: Michael Magargel (Volunteer Coordinator)
Email: mmagargel@lesm.org
5061 Espy Ave
Long Beach, MS 39560
Phone: (228) 452-1217
Fax: (228) 452-1211
www.campcoastcare.com

* The cost is $20 per night. This includes 3 meals daily, water, housing, and paper products. 

New Orleans, Louisiana

What to Bring?

·         Work clothes that can get dirty and are loose-fitting and suitable for hot, sunny, humid days

·         A change of clothes for the end of the work day

·         Shoes that are suitable for high construction work

·         Sunscreen and a hat

·         Water bottle (suggested)

·         Close-toed shoes

·         Hand Sanitizer

·         Plastic or cotton work gloves

·         Personal hygiene items 

What will be provided?

·         A commemorative T-shirt

·         Bottled water

·         Light snacks

·         Continental Breakfast

·         Transportation to and from the work sites each morning and afternoon. 

Frequently asked questions

The Special Commission has issued a report card on the status of recovery efforts. After more than a half a dozen post-Katrina trips to the Gulf Coast region and extensive on-the-ground analysis, the NCC's Special Commission on the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast gave low marks across the board to local, state and federal governments. The report card reviewed response and rebuilding efforts in the city of New Orleans, the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and the federal government in areas such as transportation, healthcare, housing, schools, insurance, and environmental justice.

The NCC's Special Commission was formed in September 2005 in response to the spiraling neglect present in the Gulf Region after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Commissioners representing NCC member communions convened for the first time in Louisiana in November 2005, a few months after the storms ravaged the Gulf Coast, to analyze on-the-ground progress post-Katrina. The Special Commission has since toured the Mississippi coast, met with religious leaders and community activists and government officials in New Orleans and Mississippi, including Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. In addition, the Special Commission has met with members of Congress and officials at FEMA about efforts to rebuild.