6 Places to Volunteer this Summer
Nothing says summer like volunteering in New Orleans. Now that the sun sets later, there are more hours in the day and opportunities to give back to the amazing city we live in. Get your Tikkun Olam on with one of our recommendations for service this summer.
New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity – Habitat teams up with families, volunteers, and donors to build homes for and with the people who need them. They help contribute to thriving communities all around the country and offer a hands-on opportunity to do so. They have built over 450 homes since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and continue to be an organization that practices what they preach while attempting to tackle the affordable housing issue in New Orleans. There are individual as well as youth group, congregation, school, AmeriCorps, and corporate opportunities to get involved with Habitat for Humanity. Sign up now to find a project near and dear to you.
Louisiana SPCA – LASPCA has been serving New Orleans animals for over 250 years, and hopes to eliminate animals suffering through offering foster, adoption, and service opportunities. As the oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization in the state, LASPCA offers educational programs, camps, and school partnerships. This Sunday LASPCA will be hosting a Jazzi brunch buffet, where $35 gets you unlimited brunch, bottomless mimosas, and live music. Tickets can be bought online here. Check out their events calendar for opportunities to get involved, and apply to be a volunteer and help run day-to-day operations here. If you’re really looking to get creative, consider adopting or fostering an animal!
Roots of Music – Founded in 2007, Roots of Music believes in the power of music education and academic mentorship and support in transforming the lives of New Orleans youth. They serve over 100 low-income household students today, and comprise an entire marching band that has paraded in Mardi Gras since 2009. They even got to perform for President Obama when he visited New Orleans to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Katrina. You can contribute through donation, sponsoring a student, tutoring students with no experience necessary, or even booking the band for an event! Contact info@rootsofmusic.org for more information on how to get involved.
Covenant House New Orleans – Providing food, shelter, clothing, medical care, educational and vocational support, individual and family counseling, job readiness and placement, short and long term housing, life skills, and more for homeless, runaway, and at-risk youth aged 22 and under, Covenant House has served over 20,000 kids in need since its founding. Create your own fundraising campaign or donate clothing and personal items to help give back to the community.
Green Light New Orleans – Care about the environment? Green Light New Orleans reduces the energy use of New Orleans residents while also helping them grow their own food. Volunteers install free energy efficient light bulbs and backyard vegetable gardens in the hopes of creating a positive impact on the environment. They stress the importance of individual action, which stems from education and local opportunities. Join the crew of over 13,000 volunteers and spend the day reducing the community’s carbon footprint. Groups of any size can sign up to volunteer.
City Park – One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., City Park provides a haven from New Orleans city life. You can volunteer individually or in groups by “adopting” an area of the park, gardening at the Botanical Garden, maintaining the Pelican Greenhouse, or attend a Super Saturday, where tons of volunteers can preserve the park at once. Check the calendar for updated Super Saturday opportunities and remember to wear sunscreen and a hat for protection from the summer sun!
Other exciting volunteer opportunities include working with Grow Dat Youth Farm, Youth Rebuilding New Orleans, and the Hollygrove Market & Farm.