Volunteering & Work Exchange Travel Opportunities in New Orleans, United States
1. New Orleans Habitat for Humanity
Build affordable homes with a local chapter of this global organization. Help families in need achieve stability.
- Skill-based work: Offers opportunities to use construction skills, but also welcomes volunteers without experience
- Long-term commitment: Requires a minimum of one week commitment, with longer stays encouraged
- Community involvement: Provides opportunities to engage with the local community and contribute to its development
2. Audubon Nature Institute
Assist in conservation efforts at Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, or one of their wildlife sanctuaries.
- Diverse roles: Offers various roles such as animal care, education, and habitat maintenance
- Guided learning: Provides training and mentorship to ensure a valuable experience for volunteers
- Family-friendly: Allows families with children to participate in volunteer activities together
3. Global Work & Travel
Work and travel program for international students, offering jobs in New Orleans alongside cultural experiences.
- Cultural exchange: Promotes cross-cultural understanding through immersion in American society
- Flexible employment: Offers a wide range of jobs, from hospitality to healthcare
- Structured program: Provides support services like housing, insurance, and job placement
4. New Orleans Food Co-op
Help run a community-owned grocery store that sells local, organic products.
- Local produce: Promotes the use of locally sourced and sustainable food
- Skill-sharing: Provides opportunities to learn about cooperative business models
- Flexible scheduling: Allows volunteers to set their own schedules, with varying shifts available
5. The Garden Project GNO
Work on urban farms and community gardens in New Orleans, promoting sustainability and education.
- Sustainable farming: Teaches organic growing methods and food preservation techniques
- Community outreach: Hosts workshops and educational events for local residents
- Environmental stewardship: Fosters a connection between the community and nature, reducing food deserts
6. New Orleans Food Bank
Assist in the distribution of food to families in need across New Orleans.
- Direct impact: Enables immediate help for those experiencing food insecurity
- Flexible hours: Offers opportunities to volunteer during the day, evening, or weekend
- Logistical support: Helps in packing and sorting food, warehouse organization, and data entry tasks
7. Cafe Reconcile
Learn culinary skills while helping a social enterprise that trains disadvantaged youth.
- Vocational training: Provides practical job skills and work experience for local young adults
- Community engagement: Opportunities to interact with students, staff, and other volunteers
- Collaborative kitchen: Work alongside professionals in a bustling commercial kitchen
8. New Orleans Community Bike Project
Repair bikes and teach bike maintenance to local residents.
- Transportation access: Promotes sustainable transportation options in New Orleans
- Community empowerment: Empowers residents by teaching them practical skills
- Affordable bikes: Offers refurbished bicycles at a low cost to those in need
9. New Orleans Tree Project
Plant and maintain trees across New Orleans to improve the city's urban forest.
- Environmental preservation: Helps combat climate change and improves air quality
- Urban reforestation: Restores tree canopy in areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina
- Community involvement: Works with local residents to create greener, more livable neighborhoods
10. St. Bernard Project
Reconstruct homes and community spaces in St. Bernard Parish, a heavily impacted area post-Katrina.
- Disaster recovery: Contributes to the ongoing recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina
- Skill-based work: Offers opportunities for construction, carpentry, and other trades
- Community rebuilding: Supports the revitalization of a community and its residents
11. NOLA TreeHouse
Volunteer at an innovative social enterprise that repurposes reclaimed wood for furniture-making.
- Sustainable craftsmanship: Promotes environmentally-friendly, creative reuse of materials
- Skill development: Trains volunteers in woodworking and furniture repair techniques
- Affordable home goods: Sells handcrafted, eco-friendly furniture at reasonable prices
12. New Orleans City Park
Assist in maintaining one of the largest urban parks in the United States.
- Natural beauty: Preserves lush greenery, scenic landscapes, and wildlife habitats
- Community gathering space: Provides a place for residents to enjoy outdoor activities together
- Historical preservation: Helps protect the park's historic oak trees and other landmarks
13. Kaboom! Playground Build
Join a nationwide movement to create safe, accessible play spaces for children.
- Child-focused: Provides opportunities for physical activity and social interaction
- Community empowerment: Engages residents in the design and construction of playgrounds
- Health and wellness: Promotes active, healthy lifestyles for children and families
14. New Orleans Musician's Clinic
Help provide medical care to local musicians, an essential part of New Orleans culture.
- Cultural preservation: Supports the legacy of New Orleans music by ensuring the health of its artists
- Community enrichment: Contributes to the vitality and diversity of the city's cultural scene
- Direct impact: Enables immediate care for those in need, improving their overall well-being
15. St. Thomas Community Health Center
Assist staff at a community health center that provides care to underserved residents.
- Health equity: Promotes equal access to healthcare for all New Orleanians
- Direct impact: Enables immediate care for those in need, improving their overall well-being
- Collaborative healthcare: Works alongside medical professionals to support patient care