Almost 3 years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is still a major renovation zone, and many places have barely been able to begin, even though the trailers are supposedly no longer a living option.

Many areas of New Orleans sustained minor damage due to being on higher ground (like the French Quarter), and some neighborhoods which had only 2-3 feet of standing water (only??) have finally come into the completion phases of their reconstruction. And according to the numbers we heard from locals, close to 70% of the total population is back in one way or another.

The lower ground areas, however, are still struggling for their very survival, especially the neighborhoods of the Lower Ninth Ward. What was once a large and dense series of neighborhoods is now desolate fields.

This is a street in the Upper Ninth Ward, still under major reconstruction efforts. This picture is also an example of what the streets of the Lower Ninth used to look like.

This is what the Lower Ninth Ward looks like as of July 26, 2008.

There is hope! We DID see some new construction.

According to all the locals we talked to, churches, neighborhood groups and other non-profits soliciting volunteer help have been the key to any successful reconstruction efforts. People have come from all over the country to help, and volunteers from within New Orleans have organized, housed, fed and worked alongside these volunteers.

If you wish to help, there are many worthy efforts to donate time or money to. From our research (a few days in New Orleans and talking to lots of locals), we will name 2 we feel confident in recommending:

• Common Ground Relief - They’re not just taking money to help, they are literally stationed right there in the Lower Ninth. They are organizing rebuilding efforts, as well as providing short term relief for victims. Of course, I don’t know this, but my guess is that the moneys donated are actually used immediately to fund reconstruction, rather than sitting in a fund somewhere all wrapped up in red tape.
• Church of the Annunciation Mission – I’m sure there are many churches and missions to work with. We heard about this church in particular as being well organized, providing accommodations, food and volunteer team organizers for those who wish to join the rebuilding effort of New Orleans.