New Orleans is a consolidated city-parish located along the Mississippi River in the southeastern region of the U.S. state of Louisiana. With an estimated population of 391,006 in 2018, it is the most populous city in Louisiana.

The historic heart of the city is the French Quarter. The city has been described as the "most unique" in the United States, owing in large part to its cross-cultural and multilingual heritage.

New Orleans has historically been very vulnerable to flooding, due to such factors as high rainfall, low lying elevation, poor natural drainage and location next to multiple bodies of water. State and federal authorities have installed a complex system of levees and drainage pumps in an effort to protect the city. In August, 2005, the city was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina followed by devastating flooding of approximately 80% of the city. Shortly after that is when Adventures started to bring teams to help rebuild.

Ministry

In the summer of 2006, Adventures brought in teams of 200 per week for 10 weeks. These young people “gutted” a lot of houses, which was the first step in rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The hurricane laid waste to much of New Orleans, claiming over 1,500 lives in Louisiana alone. During this time we began to focus our efforts with our ministry partners in an area called Holly Grove. This ministry reached displaced families and with an emphasis on the young people in the community.

Now after more than 10 years, our partners are not only still working in Holly Grove but have reached hundreds of kids and their families. Through our partners efforts, there are now

• Dedicated tutors and mentors with over 1500 hours of one-on-one tutoring annually

• Access to technology and consistent individual care

• Healthy after school and Summer Camp snacks

• Takeaway lunch bags

• Weekend family boxes

• A free 9-week summer camp

• School supplies for about 35 children

• Cajun Thanksgiving food drive

• Christmas toy giveaway

• Arts, sports, dance and coding camps

Your team will have the opportunity to work alongside this ministry to continue the revitalization effort of this incredible community through working with young kids and youth.

The other opportunity is to work with Bethel Colony South, Men’s (and Women’s) transformation Center which has also partnered with AIM since Katrina and grown exponentially over the past years. Here you’ll help in their Thrift Store, participate in Bible Studies, possibly work with women and their small kids, Paint and help with light construction.

Lodging

You will have the option of staying at a Ministry called Jesus Miracle Power run by Mama Jan Stratton. We eat and meet at her Apple Street HQ and stay at two of her houses just a mile or so away. Bunk Beds and all bed linens are provided with A/C and hot showers.

Larger groups will stay on the floor at a nearby church and will need to bring bedding.

Hotels are also an option at an increased price. If your team would like to stay in a hotel, we encourage you to book your trip as quickly as possible to capture the best price. We will make these reservations for you through our partnership with various hotel groups.

Travel

Your team is welcome to drive in or fly in. New Orleans is home to a major airport with rental options as well. Parking is available on site.