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.
Construction and Renovation Volunteer Project in the USA - New Orleans
This project is currently not accepting applications.
Purpose
Improve infrastructure for the local community
Start dates
Programs start every Monday
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
Up to 8 hours a day
Age
Volunteer groups of 8+
Accommodation
Dormitory-style
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.
This program is ideal for:
Fit volunteers who want to get their hands dirty and enjoy physically demanding volunteer work. You don’t need prior construction or renovation experience to participate as you will be working alongside qualified local supervisors.
Project details
Enjoy hard work and want to be a Construction and Renovation volunteer in USA - New Orleans? International Volunteer HQ’s Construction and Renovation project is a great opportunity for volunteers to get hands-on experience building and renovating homes for those in need. Volunteers will spend their days constructing, upgrading and repairing homes and shelters at a range of different sites in communities that need revitalisation to make them safer, healthier and tidier for their residents.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Hurricane Katrina destroyed or damaged more than 850,000 homes in 2005. While many of these have been rebuilt or repaired, there are still parts of the city that need revitalization. Now the city has been further impacted by Hurricane Ida. Local initiatives and volunteers help to construct, repair and upgrade shelters and other buildings in communities that have otherwise missed out.
Volunteer work on the Construction and Renovation project in New Orleans is much more involved than on some other projects. As a volunteer builder you will work full days on a range of different building sites which require daily commutes and some longer travel times, as your contribution will be targeted toward initiatives that have the greatest need at the time. Duties vary accordingly, but you’re likely to find yourself making rewarding improvements through:
- Building
- Renovating
- Painting
- Restoration
- Carpentry
- Landscaping
Volunteers on this project should bring work boots, sturdy clothing and work gloves, though these can be purchased in New Orleans if necessary.
Why do Construction and Renovation volunteering in New Orleans with IVHQ?
As a Construction and Renovation volunteer in New Orleans you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving and upgrading local infrastructure in disadvantaged areas
- Making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable people
- Supporting local initiatives to help their communities
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining building experience
- 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.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
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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IVHQ Construction and Renovation project
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Academic course credit
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 creditLocation
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
The program orientation begins every Monday. Volunteers need to arrive in New Orleans on the Sunday before orientation day.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) in New Orleans. You’ll be greeted at the airport by a representative of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee if you arrive on the Sunday before your program start date. Pickups are made between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, and volunteers must arrive during this period. If you are due to arrive after 8:00 PM, you will need to find your own way to the accommodation.
Orientation is hosted by our New Orleans team at a venue near the accommodation. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date and runs all day. It covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in New Orleans. It includes 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. Volunteers travel to the volunteer project sites and take a tour of the historic French Quarter. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Volunteer schedule example
First day
Your first day of volunteering in the USA is taken up by a program orientation, which includes a visit to your project placement to meet the staff you’ll be working with.
Weekdays
Volunteer schedules vary based on the organisation you’re placed with and the time of year. A typical volunteer day may look like:
| 8:00 - 9:00 AM | Travel to placement to join local placement staff and begin work on your project. |
| 12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch break. In New Orleans, a lunch break typically lasts for about an hour, but the timing and length will ultimately depend on the organisation that you’re volunteering with. |
| 1:00 - 5:00 PM | Work at the project typically ends between these times. Use your free time to either travel back home, sightsee or do some shopping. |
| Evenings: | Free to use as you wish. Most volunteers head out together to get dinner and enjoy the city. |
Weekends
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 a public hostel in a recently renovated historic building. The hostel is located close to the historic French Quarter, with easy access to live music, restaurants, shopping and food stores.
You should expect dormitory-style rooms. The dorms are mixed gender and you could share a room with up to 7 other volunteers. Gender segregated dorms may be available on request. Bedrooms are comprised of bunk beds with privacy curtains, personal charging outlets and lockers. Sheets and towels are provided and air conditioning is available.
The accommodation has a guest kitchen, laundry, game room and an on-site bar and cafe.
The accommodation is equipped with WiFi for you to use. You can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone to access the internet.
The accommodation has shared bathroom facilities equipped with western toilets and showers. Cleaning staff clean the accommodation throughout the week. However, volunteers are required to do their own dishes and to keep their rooms tidy.
Private rooms, if desired, can be booked after you have registered for the program, subject to availability and an additional cost.
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.
A light breakfast is provided at the hostel however you will be responsible for your own lunches and dinners. A kitchen is available if you prefer to self-cater, and stores and restaurants are located nearby. With no shortage of delightful food options in New Orleans, you’re sure to find a wide range of food to suit your personal taste.
Volunteers are expected to do their own dishes after each meal so please be prepared and willing to do this.
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer accommodation
Volunteer kitchen and dining area
Volunteer typical bedroom
Volunteer typical bedroom
Volunteer bedroom upgrade
Volunteer bedroom upgrade
Volunteer bed
Volunteer lockers
Volunteer accommodation
Exploring New Orleans during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring New Orleans during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring New Orleans during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring New Orleans during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring New Orleans during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring New Orleans during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring New Orleans during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring New Orleans during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring New Orleans during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring New Orleans during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring New Orleans during an IVHQ weekend
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately £233), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately £233) 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.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $695 Equivalent to $99/day |
| 2 weeks | $1,105 Equivalent to $79/day |
| 3 weeks | $1,520 Equivalent to $72/day |
| 4 weeks | $1,930 Equivalent to $69/day |
| 5 weeks | $2,345 Equivalent to $67/day |
| 6 weeks | $2,755 Equivalent to $66/day |
| 8 weeks | $3,530 Equivalent to $63/day |
| 10 weeks | $4,255 Equivalent to $61/day |
| 12 weeks | $5,030 Equivalent to $60/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately £233) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in New Orleans generally find US$300 - US$400 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as most meals, and local tours and activities.
- Any cancellations or changes within 14 days of a volunteers start date is subject to a minimum 25% late change/cancellation fee
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country emergency support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Comprehensive in-country day to day support and guidance
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch and Dinner
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Check what's required to visit the United States
Safety and support
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.
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
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EM
Eloïse Marquis
I gained in maturity, improved my English and learnt to manage on my own.
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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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To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
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