The University of Denver Greek Life is pleased to announce our Second annual service trip. We will be working with Habitat for Humanity to build homes that were destroyed during the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. The service work will take place in Gulfport, Mississippi (nearby New Orleans) from December 8th – 15th, 2013. The service trip application is open to all DU Greek community members in academic, judicial and financial good standing with the university and their respective chapter. Twenty individuals are allowed to attend the trip; three chaperones, one student leader and sixteen Greek Life students.
Location*
On August 29, 2005, Gulfport was hit by the strong eastern side of Hurricane Katrina. Much of Gulfport was flooded or destroyed in one day by the strong hurricane-force winds which lasted over 16 hours and a storm surge exceeding 28 feet (9 m) in some sections. More than 60 percent of the county’s housing units were damaged by Katrina. This included nearly 30,000 owner-occupied and 7,000 rental units. While thousands of community members have returned to their homes, much more needs to be done for those who remain displaced in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailers or other inadequate housing.
Types of construction for volunteers*
Volunteers help Habitat for Humanity in all aspects of construction such as framing, finishing, painting and rehabilitation of storm-damaged homes. Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast builds wood frame houses that are typical of the region.
Transportation, Meals and Lodging*
All transportation (minus flying), meals and lodging for the week are included in the cost. We will rent cars to take the group to each different location and to and from the airport. Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided. Breakfast is typically served at 7 a.m. Volunteers prepare and pack their own lunches for the job site. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. Sunday, the 8th and Saturday, the 14th we will be staying at hotels in New Orleans. Monday through Friday we will be housed in dormitories near the work site.
*Information received from Habitat for Humanity Website: www.habitat.org
Costs
The cost of the trip will be approximately $800, per person. Individuals going on the trip will raise funds as a group to cover the costs. The cost includes transportation, housing, meals, materials required for service, some organized group activities, and fees paid to the host agency. The cost does NOT include airfare to and from New Orleans. Upon acceptance, the total cost will be broken down to show the disbursement of your fees. The bulk of the your cost can be covered through team and individual fundraising; all participants are required to assist with fundraising activities. Projects may include bake sales, car washes, contests and other creative ideas. In addition, participants will be required to assist with personal solicitations to friends, family members, co-workers, chapter alumni. Religious communities, civic organizations, grant funds, and other sources. A $250 deposit will be required by October 2nd to hold participant’s spots.
Tentative Itinerary
Sunday (12/8): Arrive in New Orleans, Group activities. Overnight in hotel near airport
Monday (12/9): Drive to Gulfport, Afternoon activities in Gulfport, Overnight in dorms
Tuesday- Friday (12/10-13): Build during day, Free time at night (optional activities) Overnight in dorms
Saturday (12/14): Leave for New Orleans (French Quarter), Free time to explore during day, Group farewell dinner at night, Overnight in hotel in French Quarter
Sunday (12/15): Leave for airport, Fly home
Conditions of Acceptance
• Complete this application in its entirety and return it to Andrew Parady in the Student Life Center, in Driscoll by 4pm on Thursday, May 16th.
• Obtain a recommendation from your chapter president.
• Agree to abide by all University of Denver and Habitat for Humanity policies during the trip.
• Be in good judicial, financial and academic standing with the University of Denver.
• Be in good judicial, financial and academic standing with your chapter, as indicated by your chapter president.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Charlie Day (charlieday12@gmail.com), Andrew Parady (Andrew.Parady@du.edu) or Megan Pendley Pickett (mpendley@du.edu)
