Participant comments:
"I was very impressed by your extremely effective and well organized program's ability to maximize the efforts of an array of different groups to make real progress in the area."
-- Kevin Sinusas University of Virginia Alt Break coordinator
"We all came back with bruises, scratches, and bug bites but our spirits grew in Mississippi. In the face of all of the destruction, there was hope and rebuilding. I learned that college students can change and impact anything that they decide to change."
-- Candace Linn, Northern Arizona University, Alternative Break Coordinator
Volunteers are an essential component to disaster recovery efforts. Unlike government agencies recovery volunteers do not need to have victims fill out forms and answer a bunch of questions to qualify for assistance. When we see a person in need we only ask one question "How can we help?" The residents of these areas continue to struggle each and every day. They face life threatening stress and depressing hardships in the wake of these disasters. When contending with such a terrible tragedy it is clear that there is one thing keeping everyone going and that one thing is hope. Over 2000 CC International volunteers have participated in the recovery effort since December of 2005.
Mission Statement: CC International deploys volunteers where they are needed most and gets the most value out of each volunteer hour through effective management and comprehensive logistical support.
Food and Lodging
Disaster zones present unique logistical challenges because of constantly changing circumstances and the severe lack of housing for displaced residents and volunteers. CCInternational develops its own volunteer accommodation facilities when necessary and also develops long term agreements with local providers to deliver safe, sanitary and cost effective accommodations for volunteers.
Work Projects
Our efforts are varied and widespread. We work on roofs, helping in animal shelters, restoring parks, making children smile in overcrowded schools, gutting homes, installing drywall, raising homes, framing...the list goes on and on. The impact that CCInternational volunteers have had on these areas is truly phenomenal.
CC International will be deploying volunteers in New Orleans and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast November 2007 - May 2008.
CC International volunteer facilites in each location provide a place to sleep, recreation space, wireless internet, meeting space, and 3 meals a day.
Rooms are divided by gender, dormitory style, and each has 12-15 bunks You must bring your own bedding; sheets, pillows, blankets, and/or sleeping bag.
Each room is air conditioned.
Vegetarian options are available at every meal. During the breakfast hours we provide sandwiches, fruit, and water for volunteers to pack for lunch.
We are accepting Group Sign Up Forms from programs interested in participating in CC International's Projects. Early sign ups get top priority on available space.
We are asking all volunteers to start early and do some homework before their session. Home Depot and Lowes offer free construction training programs in local communities. We encourage volunteers to attend sessions on basic construction, painting, insulation, window and door installation, or sheetrock hanging and taping. Lowes has a great home improvement library as well http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=topicSelect&topic=buyGuide.
