i was wondering if anyone knew of any resources to get hooked up with in the Katrina clean up in the gulf..... i would love to go down there and work.
This may be a place for you to start. http://www.fema.gov/press/2005/katrinabusiness.shtm
Best advice I've heard from other guys who've discussed the same thoughts is to hook up with a local contractor, and act as a subcontractor. Advice seems to run along the lines of: 1. If you're not already licensed and familiar with the local codes, some jurisdictions are not kind to guys who appear to be offering services through the windows of their trucks. 2. Many of the locals aren't in a position to pay cash, and they aren't settled yet with insurance claims. 3. Sounds like the area isn't quite ready to let residents back in, much less open for business as usual. 4. Health hazards are still a serious consideration, and may be so for a while yet. Some volunteers are still waiting to get in, and remain on call for recovery operations, so I'd suspect that it might be quite a while before the work of rebuilding begins. There's a bunch of similar threads in Fine Homebuilding's forums - you might want to look there. You should be able to find it through Taunton Press.
Not Time , Yet I know all of us want to help.And most of us recognise an opportunity,when we see one.I will not argue the possiblities,that this disaster represents,the brothers,and sisters in Florida,will begrudge me this offense.The Gulf Coast will need many of us to rebuild it.And, it will cost all of us,via the federal government,billions,to accomplish,and there is no "good"reason for some of us not to be involved. Still,it seems at least,prudent,that the process take a respectable course. Let them rescue the helpless,bury their dead,and get a reasonable plan,first. Vegas is showing signs of cooling off,fuel prices are affecting the entire country,and profiting from the death and destruction of a natural disaster is "ugly" by any standards. When the South is ready,there are many of us that may be drawn to the Gulf.Let's not appear "too" eager.Afterall,"carpetbaggers" were as likely to be lynched,as freed slaves.Forgive my metaphor,but,perhaps it fits.Alot of our fellow construction workers are unemployed,in their home towns,and they should get preference to outsiders,we all have families to feed.
The day after Hurricane hugo hit Charleston SC a general contractor and myself began to help rebuild the area where we stayed for 6 plus months. While this situtaion is much more dire there are similarities. My advice would be this. Patience at this point. Hook up with a reputable contractor who already has the work and contracts lined up, will pay you directly,(let him handle the receivables they can be a nightmare), many have lost because of upfront work and no back end pay. Lodging? it will be very difficult to come by. travel expense to and fro worksite? How far? cell phone coverage and exp? Ins liability? You will also inherit less than ideal living and lodging circumstances. Though all can benefit from extra helping hands not all do. Choose your partners, relationships and jobs very carefully.
Equipment If anyone is in need of equipment you can check out www.gttequip.com Hope everyone that is going south to work stay's safe.
I know a couple of guys that went down,right after Katrina,thought they had work,then were kicked out during Rita.One got a call to come back,he's one of the best trackhoe operators I know,has to pay his own way down,book his own hotel,was "promised" repayment,but he is single,and experienced.He figures to clear 100K in 06,but may have to wait for tax return to realize full benefit. Don't think I'd do it with a family to support,seems like a gamble,at least until 06,or 07.Once the money gets sorted out,contracts may be a little more certain.If you don't have contacts,I'd suggest getting them,first.Guys moving in without local knowledge,are not getting the attention,they might deserve.In spite of this,there seems to be an "outflow" from here,more ads in the local papers for help,may make our wages go up,in order to keep people in Vegas.