Where is the Epworth Project located?
Epworth Project is located in Slidell, LA. Slidell is on the Northshore of Lake Pontchartrain and about 30 miles outside of New Orleans.
The Epworth Project has a unique dorm facility called the Epworth Building. Check out pictures of this facility on our virtual tour. This new building has separate sleeping quarters for men and women with bunk bed accommodations, spacious bathrooms with showers, common space, and a full kitchen. We can accommodate 54 volunteers in bunks. Larger groups may still inquire and lodging will be arranged. Our facility also includes large bathroom with shower facilities, a state-of-the-art kitchen and a spacious common area.
The Epworth Building is located on the Aldersgate United Methodist Church campus. Our Epworth Building houses most of our volunteers and it also is home to our office. Please remind your group that this is shared space. We often have meetings and other important events in our building during the day while you are working.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church is gracious enough to provide parking, space, and resources for all of our groups of volunteers. Please be mindful when parking vehicles and playing outside that this is a church and many things happen on the campus during the day and evening.
Who can volunteer with Epworth Project?
Epworth Project Mission Trips are designed for groups of all ages and skills from youth to seasoned adults. You can make a difference whether you are a licensed contractor or you’ve never used a hammer.
Does a volunteer need health insurance in order to participate?
Epworth Project prefers that every participant has at least basic health insurance in order to participate. If you are uninsured and still would like to volunteer, you must sign a release of liability waiver.
What is the cost per person to volunteer and what does this cost cover?
The group rate is $240/person for a 6 night stay during the year (prices subject to change). The regular rate includes building supplies, lodging, leadership, and orientation. Our groups typically arrive on Saturday or Sunday afternoon and leave on Friday or Saturday afternoon. If other arrangements are necessary, please let us know when you reserve your dates. Groups interested in staying for less than a week will be considered as space is available for a cost of $45/person per night. A non-refundable/non-transferable deposit of $25/person is due within 30 days of booking to reserve your dates. If you are interested in serving with Epworth Project but have secured housing elsewhere, a supply fee of $125/person is necessary to cover construction costs. Please make checks payable to Epworth Project.
Are meals or transportation provided?
Meals are not provided during the year but are provided during the Epworth Summer Program. You are responsible for your own meals and transportation unless you have arranged otherwise. You will have access to a fully-equipped kitchen and many grocery store options. You are responsible for your own transportation for the duration of your stay. If you are not driving to Louisiana, you will need to make arrangements for rental vehicles.
What kind of work will we be doing?
The work you do will be dependent on what kind of needs we have during your visit. Projects may include general contracting
, carpentry, cabinetry, framing, insulation, drywall hanging, drywall finishing, flooring, windows, door trim, painting, plumbing,
and roofing. To read more about our ongoing and completed projects, please look at our projects page. Our needs vary from week to week. Please know that we do our best to take your skills into consideration when placing you on a project but at times our needs on basic projects are more pressing. The work that you do will directly benefit lives and will impact our community. You will receive a call from one of our construction managers the week prior to your trip to discuss your construction project. Please note: Your work team may not know what their specific projects are until they report on their first morning.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
No. We will provide all of the tools necessary to complete the projects assigned. If you’d like to bring extra tools like hammers or screw drivers please make sure to clearly note your church name on the tools.
What is the typical schedule during the work week?
Our mission teams typically arrive Saturday or Sunday and leave on Friday or Saturday. Groups work Monday through Friday from about 8 A.M. until 4 P.M. We have orientation every Monday morning at 8 A.M. to answer questions and share more about our organization. Often groups decide to take a half day during the week to explore New Orleans. We encourage groups to do this! Everything else in the schedule is up to you. We are flexible and will plan our work schedule around when you can work.
How many people are on a work team and how are these teams organized?
Each work team would have at least one skilled worker, if possible, and at least one vehicle. Work teams are typically comprised of 8-12 volunteers. Please have an idea of how your group will divide (if necessary) prior to your arrival. Work teams must be very flexible as projects and situations change. Your construction coordinator will discuss this more with you when you are called the week prior to your mission trip.
Where do I send payment and forms?
Epworth Project
360 Robert Blvd.
Slidell, LA 70458
985-645-9074 (fax)
Please make checks payable to Epworth Project.
How can I donate to Epworth Project?
Epworth Project is able to help more people because of the generous donations from churches, organizations, and individuals. If you would like to make a donation to help fund future ministry and service, please make check donations to Epworth Project and mail to:
Epworth Project
360 Robert Blvd.
Slidell, LA 70458