New Orleans

Working Alongside Communities

On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina, a category 5 hurricane made landfall in New Orleans, Louisiana. Sixteen-foot-tall storm surges overwhelmed the levy system and 80% of the city became flooded. The damage was catastrophic. The country responded.

Headwaters’ began as a grassroots volunteer effort providing disaster relief in 2005 in response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward, one of the most devastated areas of the city. Initially we assisted with gutting and interior debris clean up. As more volunteers joined us, we developed partnerships with other organizations and moved into re-building.

In 2007 Headwaters’ volunteers committed to long-term support of the Ninth Ward community when we opened a walk-in mental resource health center. The River of Hope Mental Health Resource Center was founded to help the Ninth Ward community. Its goal is to help the community recover psychologically and deal with lingering emotional trauma.

The resource center offers free counseling, referral to other resources if needed and community education to those who might not otherwise have access to mental health support. The center is particularly important in supporting the unmet needs of children in that area. We have published three research studies related to our work in New Orleans, two in partnership with Lesley University and one with Georgetown University.

Post-Katrina: 20 Years of Resilience

Headwaters Relief Organization’s Journey in the Ninth Ward, New Orleans

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on New Orleans, leaving the Ninth Ward as one of the most severely affected areas. Renowned for its vibrant culture and strong community bonds, the Ninth Ward emerged as a poignant symbol of both devastation and resilience. Over the past two decades, Headwaters Relief Organization has played a transformative role in supporting this community, addressing immediate needs and tackling long-term challenges. What began as a grassroots movement has since evolved into a comprehensive, volunteer-driven effort dedicated to rebuilding lives and fostering community well-being.

The Ninth Ward

Before Hurricane Katrina, the Ninth Ward boasted a proud legacy of Black homeownership, with 98% of residents identifying as Black and 59% owning their homes. However, the storm’s aftermath devastated the neighborhood, leading to over 700 casualties and widespread destruction. The restoration of basic infrastructure was a prolonged ordeal; electricity was only restored in October 2006, while drinking water services took more than 14 months to resume. Frequently labeled as an “unwitting icon of tragedies” and a “poster child for racial inequities and poverty,” the Ninth Ward’s story of recovery reflects the resilience and unity of its people. The community’s deep cultural heritage, epitomized by traditions such as second-line parades and the legacy of musical icons like Fats Domino, became the foundation for renewal and rebuilding.

“I’ll Come Back and I’ll Bring Help”

Headwaters Relief Organization was born out of a simple yet powerful commitment: “Just Do It.” In response to the devastation, the organization mobilized a group of 35 volunteers, primarily women aged 21 to 67, who arrived in the Ninth Ward on November 25, 2005—the day after Thanksgiving.

Volunteers were met with scenes of utter devastation—a “desperate world unto itself.” Initial projects centered on gutting and cleaning homes, painting, and eventually reconstructing properties. The physical and emotional toll was immense. In one of the trips, the volunteers discovered the remains of a parishioner’s deceased brother-in-law, a stark reminder of the hurricane’s profound human impact. Despite the overwhelming challenges, the volunteers pressed on, becoming a beacon of hope for the community. New Salem Baptist Church became their operational hub, with the restoration of its steeple lights in March 2006 symbolizing resilience and progress.

Comprehensive Approach to Recovery

Headwaters quickly recognized that true recovery required more than physical rebuilding. The organization adopted a holistic approach, addressing diverse needs through various initiatives:

Community Infrastructure: Headwaters prioritized constructing vital community resources, including resource centers, children’s facilities, shelters for battered women, and residences for the elderly.
Tool Lending Library: This initiative provided residents with essential tools to actively participate in rebuilding their homes and community.
Mental Health Support: In January 2006, Headwaters opened the River of Hope Mental Health Resource Center, the Ninth Ward’s first and only walk-in mental health facility. Offering free counseling and community education, this center significantly improved participants’ levels of depression, anxiety, and trauma.
Community Engagement: Headwaters organized regular events, including children’s services, music festivals, food fairs, and holiday celebrations, fostering a renewed sense of unity and morale within the Ninth Ward.

Adapting to Meet Emerging Needs

Headwaters Relief Organization has continued to evolve with the changing needs of the community. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges to the Ninth Ward, but Headwaters Relief Organization quickly adapted to meet emerging needs. Recognizing the pandemic’s impact on education, Headwaters established an after-school program in partnership with local schools. This initiative, which included the creation of a computer lab, provided vital educational support to children during the lockdown.

Power of Volunteerism and Collaboration

Headwaters Relief Organization owes its success to its volunteers and collaborative partnerships. Over 3,000 volunteers, ranging in age from 4 to 92, have contributed their time and skills to the effort, with over 70% participating in multiple trips. This culture of open acceptance and inclusivity ensures that every individual can make a meaningful contribution, regardless of background or experience.

Partnerships with organizations like New Salem Baptist Church, TDB Builders, Dunwoody Technical College, Tulane University, Tech Builders, and the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals have amplified Headwaters’ impact. These collaborations underscore the belief that disaster recovery is a prolonged journey and highlight the crucial role of non-governmental organizations in bridging the gaps left by federal and large-scale responses.

Transformative Impact

The work of Headwaters Relief Organization has not only helped rebuild the Ninth Ward but also transformed the lives of its volunteers. Participants report profound personal growth, deeper cultural understanding, and increased awareness of systemic issues like racial inequity and poverty. By fostering authentic connections, Headwaters has built a legacy of resilience and equity.

Lessons from this journey:

Community-Centered Recovery: Building authentic partnerships to align recovery efforts with community needs.
Sustainable Strategies: Developing long-term plans that extend beyond immediate relief.
Overcoming Challenges: Addressing obstacles like funding shortages and shifting priorities.
Mental Health Support: Recognizing the critical role of emotional and psychological care in disaster recovery.
Youth Engagement: Empowering young people to take active roles in building stronger communities.

Looking to the Future

As the Headwaters Relief Organization marks 20 years of Hurricane Katrina and its service, Headwaters’ commitment to the Ninth Ward remains steadfast. Plans for the anniversary include repairing a community center, a domestic violence shelter, and a home for a single mother and her daughters —tangible symbols of hope and renewal.

The journey of Headwaters Relief Organization is a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of a community determined to rebuild. Their work has not only helped to revitalize the Ninth Ward but also enriched the lives of countless volunteers, promoting a deeper understanding of humanity, equity, resilience, and inspiring a passion to serve others

Volunteer Opportunity with Headwaters Relief Organization

Over the past two decades, Headwaters volunteers have worked side-by-side with residents on projects that include rebuilding homes, restoring community spaces, and providing essential health and mental health services. The bonds we’ve formed with the Ninth Ward are not just partnerships – they are friendships built on mutual trust, respect, and shared hope.

This August 29th and 30th, 2025, we invite you to join us for a two-day community event to honor the progress made and the strength of the Ninth Ward community. The event is an opportunity to volunteer in the community and will feature music, food, activities, and the chance to connect with residents whose resilience continues to inspire us.

How You Can Help

This is an opportunity to not only celebrate but to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing work of recovery and empowerment. Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or new to Headwaters, we need your help:

Rebuilding Efforts: Assist in repairing a community center, a family home for a single mother and her children, and a domestic violence shelter. If you are a novice but interested in this kind of job, you will be working with a team of professional builders who will guide you through the tasks.

Mental Health and Community Engagement: Volunteer at the resource center to support children, youth, and adults through activities designed to foster joy, connection, and well-being.

Health Clinic Support: Partner with medical providers to help offer essential health services to the community.

Can’t Travel? Sponsor a Volunteer!

If you’re unable to join us in person, your financial support can enable someone else to step in and make a difference. Sponsoring a volunteer is a powerful way to contribute to this vital work.

Headwaters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that follows a 100% model. That means that 100% of our donations are used to support the services in the communities we support. Headwaters asks that volunteers cover their own trip expenses. We have had success in the past with volunteers fundraising to support their volunteer trip expenses. Minimally, your flights will include arriving in New Orleans on Thursday and leaving on Sunday. You are welcome to arrive earlier or leave later if you want to see the city. Headwaters will provide leadership for trip planning and defining the work to be done. You can choose your flights. We will find the hotel so we can stay together as a team.

Trip Details

Arrival: Thursday, August 28, 2025

Departure: Sunday, August 31, 2025 (or extend your stay to explore the vibrant city of New Orleans!)

Accommodation: Team lodging will be arranged and it is recommended to foster collaboration and camaraderie.

Notes:

We will provide transportation between the hotel where the team will be staying and the work site.

Some individuals may choose to fly in, some to drive, totally up to you. We can recommend some of the possible flights and connect you with a travel agent if needed.

Same with the lodging, we will provide you with suggestions; however, you may choose to make your own arrangements. Please note in this case, you will be responsible for managing your transportation.

To Sign Up or Learn More

Please use the link below to sign up today or if you have any questions, please contact us at rkhatri@headwatersrelief.org.

Volunteer Registration

Walk-in Mental Health Resource Center

Headwaters began as a grassroots volunteer effort providing disaster relief in 2005 in response to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans’ Ninth Ward, one of the most devastated areas of the city. Initially we assisted with gutting and interior debris clean up. As more volunteers joined us, we developed partnerships with other organizations and moved into re-building.

In 2007 Headwaters’ volunteers committed to long-term support of the Ninth Ward community when we opened a walk-in mental resource health center. The resource center offers free counseling, referral to other resources if needed and community education to those who might not otherwise have access to mental health support. The center is particularly important in supporting the unmet needs of children in that area.
The center is open every Saturdays and Thursdays, twice a week.

After School Program

The main objective with this initiative was to provide a comprehensive model that helps mitigate systemic inequities that affect children of color and in doing so we will address health disparities by increasing fitness and overall nutrition and wellness; confront educational inequities through additional support to the education these children receive at school; and provide leadership training for future successes during the pandemic.
This program ran through the academic year of 2021- 2022.

We recruited a dedicated team of two staff members (teachers), one security personnel and volunteers- all from the same community and people of color. We recognize that we are guests in this community and have always worked with community leaders to design programming that meets the needs of the community.
We were able to connect the center with high-speed internet, equip with two new laptops, purchase required stationeries and supplies.
Covid-19 precautions- The center was setup following standard Covid-19 protocols. All our staff and volunteers have completed their vaccination schedule. We also provided the center with children’s masks and hand sanitizers. Wearing a mask was compulsory, for both students and the staff while in the premise.

We also have resumed our walk-in mental health resource center for the youth in the community which was temporarily halted due to the pandemic.