Common Ground Relief

Common Ground Relief fosters environmental and community stewardship in Southeast Louisiana so that all life can survive and thrive, now and in the future. The organization mobilizes 1500 volunteers annually for coastal restoration projects, provides environmental education to learners of all ages, builds relationships among stakeholders, and facilitates direct need-responsive aid such as our weekly Free Pantry. In 2024 the Pantry served fresh produce, dry goods, baked items, and donated hygiene supplies to 17,511 individuals, 40% of which were children under 18.

Common Ground Relief was established in September 2005 to provide disaster relief in the Greater New Orleans area following Hurricane Katrina. With its origins as a community-initiated, volunteer organization, Common Ground Relief gave hope to local communities by providing for immediate needs and emphasizing principles of interdependence, enabling locals and visiting volunteers to work together and rebuild Southeast Louisiana in sustainable ways.

Twenty years in, Common Ground Relief mainly focuses on environmental restoration to create sustainable, healthy and functioning coastal wetlands and to foster a new generation of environmental stewards who have the skills, knowledge, passion and commitment to create and sustain robust wetlands in the Gulf Coast and beyond. At Common Ground Relief, we believe that creating a thriving future for coastal Louisiana will require significant engagement by Louisiana and New Orleans residents, as well as visitors from around the country and world. To help rebuild and stabilize our vital greenscape, Common Ground Relief has initiated a community based, community led program to grow, plant and monitor native plants in Southeast Louisiana.