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A Message of Hope What is Common Ground Relief? What are they doing in New Orleans' 9th Ward?

Click here to donate to Common Ground Relief  Click here to volunteer services to CGR

If you question what the government is doing in New Orleans to rehabilitate the Afro-American community, read what this group of volunteers ...Common Ground Relief (http://www.commongroundrelief.org/weblog_index.html) has done and is doing with minimal experience.  I wish to state that my comments and opinions do not necessarily reflect the positions of Common Ground Relief or the governmental organizations dealing with this disaster.  They are founded upon my awareness generated by only 5 days within the CGR community. 

As I write this, (Jan. 9th, 2006) I have just received word that the city has moved in with bulldozers to level the lower 9th Ward.  Through a peaceful group demonstration, this group of Common Ground Relief volunteers and 9th Ward residents were successful in delaying that action.) For audio reports of protest go to:  http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5132323 http://www.kpfa.org/archives/index.php?arch=11990 This is a newscast & this story, "live" from the 9th Ward,  begins at about 8 min. in to brdcst.
		Nat. Pub. Radio photo

The Origin of Common Ground Relief
After Katrina devastated New Orleans, one of the residents of the 9th Ward community (populated mostly by Afro-Americans) was concerned about the lack of assistance to help the residents return to their homes.  In addition, he was concerned about the rumors that the city wanted to turn the area into a commercial tourist development. 

Hoping to re-establish the presence of the residents and secure the community for its past residential purpose, he approached volunteers asking for assistance.  These volunteers formed Common Ground Relief  and, going door to door, announced their presence to the few people who were returning to clean up their homes..

Soon, a day care building was temporarily donated.  In return for three months use, CGR would rehabilitate the building and use it for a free health clinic, offer free legal advice, and act as a distribution center. 

A minister then offered to donate his church and the church became the "headquarters" for the many volunteers coming to assist with the work.  They gutted the building, hung sheets from the empty studs, and the sanctuary became the volunteers' sleeping room.  Office space was turned into a dining hall and more sleeping area.  A kitchen was set up under tarps in the church's court yard to feed the volunteers and the few residents who were present. Plans are to eventually turn this into a community center for the neighborhood.

Tools and other necessities were purchase to facilitate the clean up of homes.  Conscious of the extreme dangers of mold, etc., respirators, and other safety equipment were purchased and utilized by the volunteers.  The same equipment was offered to returning community members .

With this equipment, CGR offered to clean residents' homes, and with the residents' permission. The volunteers began gutting the homes (referred to as "mucking out"), removing damaged possessions, and ripping out moldy drywall and insulation, followed by bleach washings of floors, walls, and studs.  When we were there at Christmas, 50 homes had already been cleaned, and there were requests to do 150 more. While most homes were lacking gas and electrical service, they were safe for residency.

In addition to the house rehabilitation, CGR also began offering free medical and legal services in another part of New Orleans (Algiers).  All of this was done from the perspective of asking the community what services they needed and not trying to dictate what needed to be done.

Anne at Free Clinic in Algiers, serving 100 residents / day

The volunteers have been a very loosely organized group, functioning from a communal perspective.  Those that assume leadership are excellent at facilitating the morning meetings and allowing the group to determine its own course.

While this may not be the most efficient way to organize, its effectiveness is demonstrated by the ability of the volunteers to work and live in this less than desirable environment in a positive and nurturing manner with unbelievable faith in their mission.  While there, I never heard one angry word.  This is an unbelievable accomplishment when compared to those of the city of New Orleans.  Much of the 9th Ward still has no power, and the only sign of the city that we saw was the pickup of curbside trash that was removed from the homes by CGR and the residents.

sleeping room

We have also heard reports of home owners who tried to return and have been arrested for looting their own homes. 

Feeding this large group of volunteers at CGR was certainly a challenge well met by the dedicated cooks. For the most part, it was excellent and healthy.  Meals were often based with rice or pasta and seasoned with the traditional New Orleans energy and a fruit or lettuce salad. Barbequed chicken was served one evening.  Breakfasts were usually hot cereal but included pancakes one morning.  Lunches were boxed and transported to the workers in the community.  I was amazed at the cooks' capacity to create such meaningful menus under such primitive conditions.   It should be mentioned that the volunteers' willingness to tolerate such adverse conditions was truly fueled by this nurturing food. 

exquisite cabbage rolls

gourmet meals prepared outdoors under tarps

(The number of volunteers living at CGR ranged  between 150 and 200 while we were there. These volunteers were a very unique mix.   Most were in their early twenties with college backgrounds.  There were also several professionals of an older age.  Some had been there since the hurricane and others come and go from day to day.  It was not unusual to see a group of twenty or so leave and be replaced by another group the following day.  Individuals also arrived by car, train, buses. etc.

 For the most part, Afro-Americans were missing from this group, especially local residents.  I was also surprised to see that many of these people who were temporarily giving their lives to others were verbally expressing a lack of belief in a higher power.  There were also several of the Jewish faith.  What a testimony to the willingness of people to work together.  What was even more exciting was to see the beautiful interaction between this primarily white population and the Afro-Americans who were in the community. 

One group called themselves the "Super Heroes".  Supposedly based in Oregon, they travel the country on bikes with their costumes, each with a cape.  They ride into a community, find a needy project, complete it and leave without desiring recognition or reward.  One group of these people were there when we arrived and left several days later.  They were then replaced by a group that had been working in Mississippi and arrived via bike a few days later.  Amazingly "together" young adults, they were an inspiration to watch, especially their dedication and effectiveness. 

To find out about the next Superhero ride or the Superhero "Start-up Kit," contact Superhero Headquarters, 78590 Echo Hollow Lane, Cottage Grove, OR, 97424, (541) 767-9604

Everyone, regardless of their ability, can find their place with CGC. While you may be coming to CGR to help the 9th Ward residents to heal, this environment can be a healing and growing opportunity for many volunteers as well. This was certainly what we experienced during our visit. 

Additional descriptions of this organization can be found at http://www.commongroundrelief.org/2005/12/9th_warddowntown_project_updat.html#more
and at their website: www.commongroundrelief.org

Click here to donate to Common Ground Relief  Click here to volunteer services to CGR

You can voice your concerns or your opinion, pro or con by calling the city of New Orleans:  (877) 286-6431
There is also an email form to contact the mayor, but I have been unable to make it work.
Read the city's action plan for rehabilitation          City of New Orleans website:
Survival stories from New Orleans residents  Wynton Marsalis' speech welcoming Tulane's students back (video & text)
Return to our home page

Click here for reports on our hurricane relief mission
 Should parts of New Orleans be bulldozed?
What is Algiers Free Medical Clinic?
What is the future of Lady Star of the Sea Church
Healing Music for Lafayette, LA
Gary's journal from the trip
Other New Orleans links