Residents of New Orleans and all of the Gulf Region have endured loss and hardship the past decade with the destruction of both the oil spill and Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans residents take pride in their food, culture and heritage and there is a determined, survivor’s spirit that remains committed to rebuilding and thriving in the unique and challenging region.
Since Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, the number of homeless men, women and children in New Orleans climbed from 6,000 to over 21,000 in 2011, according to the HUD definition of homelessness. New Orleans now has the highest homeless per capita rate for any city in the nation. Louisiana also has the highest percentage of people living in poverty of any state in the U.S. and it has the second highest percentage of single parent homes in all the U.S. In the 9th Ward area of New Orleans, 40% of residents did not graduate high school, and 36% of residents live below the poverty line (12% is the nationwide average).
There are great needs in New Orleans, and many of the ministry leaders we partner with in New Orleans have experienced personal loss and trauma as they faithfully serve where God has called them to be his light. We have the opportunity to come along side of them and help bear the weight of the vital ministries that God has called them to in a unique and challenging mission field. The ministries serving year round in New Orleans are extremely creative, faithful and necessary- reaching out to those in need, including impoverished kids, the homeless, after school programs, displaced families and the elderly.
We invite you to bring your group to serve alongside of us on an urban New Orleans short term mission trip.
7:30 – 8:45 – Breakfast/Devotionals:
We provide breakfast for your team and give you the opportunity to either do devotionals as a group or for your students to do devotionals individually.
9:00 – 12:00 – Special Needs Ministry:
Serve alongside a mental health community in the city. Our teams have the opportunity to spend time with residents doing art, social gatherings, working in the garden etc…
12:15 – 12:45 – Make a Lunch Take a Lunch with Homeless Friends on the Square
12:45 – 1:45 – Bible Club preparation time
2:00 – 5:00 – Bible Club with a partner church in 9th ward.
Your group would have the opportunity to lead all aspects of the club including arts/crafts, Bible time, games, and a literacy/reading time.
6:00 – 6:30 – Dinner at Kaleo Housing Site
6:30 – 7:15 – Evening Debrief
*Please note this is a sample schedule and does not reflect specific times and ministry activities for your team.
Cost: $400 for a five night trip or $480 for a six night trip includes all of your housing, food (with the exception of one evening meal on your night off) and ministry expenses. The only additional cost to your group is the cost of transportation.
Housing: Our Kaleo teams stay at our partner church right in the heart of the French Quarter. Our location will allow your team to fully be immersed in the unique culture of New Orleans. Additionally, your team will get to experience the daily life of the church as it seeks to love the poor and marginalized people in New Orleans. The dorm area is separated for boys and girls and there are showers onsite. Bunk beds are provided, but your team will need to provide their own bedding
Parking: Parking can be difficult in the French Quarter. You will need to be prepared to drop off your team at the church prior to parking your vehicle. You may have to park up to a 10 minute walk from the housing site.
Transportation: You will need to have vehicles to transport each individual team and a space available in your van for one Kaleo staff member for each team.
Food: Our goal is to provide good and healthy food options for your team. Additionally, as part of our food service, we will provide your group with some meals that are unique to the local culture of New Orleans (Po’boys and Red Beans and Rice). We provide fruit at all meals and have salad options during lunch and dinner. If members of your team have food allergies, please let our City Director know. We can make basic accommodations such as gluten free bread and lactose free milk and you are free to bring additional food if necessary.
Director’s Desk: Partnering with Church-Planters
September 23, 2019To Such as These: Evangelism or Compassion?
August 27, 2019
Justin Haynes, New Orleans City Director
We are excited about the opportunity to partner with your group to serve our ministry partners and the people of New Orleans. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact us, of if you are ready to register your team, click on the “register” button above.
