One way to help small businesses re-establish themselves in areas ravaged by the hurricane is to help customers return to their homes that are now filled with toxic mold and debris. Small cleaning and construction firms can volunteer with non-profits such as Common Ground Collective (commongroundrelief.org) to remove damaged carpets, furniture, internal walls and sometimes, ceilings. Says the organization's gutting project coordinator, Renee Corrigan, "Most folks who need their house to be gutted are elderly, people with disabilities and single parents for whom it could be difficult to do the work themselves."

Three meals are offered per day and housing may be arranged for all volunteers. Volunteers are expected to pay their own travel expenses. Others can contribute by donating construction supplies and materials, including Tyvek suits, crowbars and wheelbarrows, and by sending money to help cover operating costs.