New Orlean’s Lower Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina (Photo- National Wildlife Federation

Our History

Common Ground Relief has spent nearly two decades championing grassroots efforts for justice and resilience in New Orleans. We rely on optimism & imagination in the face of great challenges

Dive In

Our Ecology

Louisiana's wetlands provide essential hurricane protection for communities and ecosystems worldwide, vital landscape for seafood, fisheries, and migratory birds.

The Wetlands

Our Community

Our close knit community is built on sharing resources and knowledge — Common Ground is where your questions find answers, and your needs meet support.

Dig Deep

Support Our Work

Making Action Accessible

Contribute to community Resilience

In-kind contributions and unrestricted funding power our projects, programming, volunteer housing, maintenance, and direct aid efforts, providing the flexibility needed to adapt and grow.

Donate

3 min

Common Ground Relief History

Common Ground Relief (CGR) was founded on September 5, 2005 by Malik Rahim, Sharon Johnson, and Scott Crow in the aftermath of Katrina.

1 min

Common Ground Relief and Baton Rouge Community College's Green Job Placement

Common Ground Relief cultivates environmental and community stewardship in Southeast Louisiana to help residents not only survive but thrive

3 min

Grand Bayou Grass Planting with Atakapa-Ishak/Chawasha Village

Marsh Restoration at Grand Bayou

1 min

Josh Benitez Links New Orleans Culture to Coastal Restoration

Story by Jeff Young at newsweek.com Our very own Josh Benitez was recently featured as a Planet Hero on Newsweek’s Better Planet....

You Can Make a Difference

We provide rich educational opportunities to learn, live, and play with the swamp and wetlands that built New Orleans. Your support allows us to strengthen our impact, ensuring we can serve our community and sustain our mission with greater resilience and reach.

We’ll meet you

where you’re at