I realize this may be a obvious observation, but how about using some of the the thousands of trailers that still sit unused all over the south? Oh yes, of course, FEMA controls those. God bless all the volunteers and residents as they continue to recover their lives.

What's going to happen? I just pray another hurricane doesn't come near the Coast.

Thanks for the update on conditions in Waveland. Your insight as to current shortage of accomodations just adds to our recent seasonal airline ticket price hike discovery. October is probably a better time to plan to go to help.

Man oh man. What a neat article about doing good. Need to publize it even more and co-op the locals into the effort. Nothing breeds success like the increased possibility of success. Respectflly

It's really too bad that the iCare Village was closed down before a hurricane was even forecasted. I know they're calling for an extremely dangerous hurricane season but that's why it's called "forecasting", it's only an educated guess. Hopefully, other organizations will pick up where the Morrell Foundation left off.

Yes, skilled labor would be a God-send for the people of the Gulf Coast. Please volunteer if you can! The work is hard but very rewarding...for your soul!

Having parents that lost everything due to Katrina in Waveland our family knows first hand how well the volunteers effort has worked. My parents have met some wonderful& kind people from all over the U.S. I am so grateful to these people and our heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of them GREAT JOB

Many people want to volunteer in MS, LA, wherever they are needed. Without the volunteer camps, many will not come. Take down the volunteer shelters? Now whose bright idea is that?? Is this another FEMA great idea?

Since college is over for the summer, maybe you can use college dorms to hoose the volunteers.

housing volunteers is going to be an on going struggle as the rebuilding efforts continue. Part of the problem with this area of MS and particularly in hancock couny is that there are not many structures left suitable to housing and feeding the amount of volunteers that are going to be needed to aid in the rebuilding of homes and lives. Joe is a wonderful person and I have the honor of sitting in a few committees here in hancock county. To actually open and run a volunteer village is an expensive indeavor. For feeding 200 volunteers for one month is approximately $37,000 for food alone. Then take into effect the cost of electrical and water, the cost grows that much more.The morrell foundation has left the area for the hurricane season; they are sadly missed. Although, before they packed camp, they said they would concider coming back in the fall.

what college dorms,Marjule?.....ain't nothing left on da coast!....i wish they were!

Maybe the volunteers should consider getting their own housing. Tents, RVs etc would all be great. I know the Sower's group (christian housing rehab group) travel in RV caravans.

I am one of thousands volunteering in New Orleans to help with relief work. Housing has never been a problem for our group. We are able to stay with fellow believers because of our unity and love for one another, even though we had never met. We are Jehovah's Witnesses. In the beginning we stayed with fellow believers in surrounding areas who had less severe damage and opened their homes to volunteers. Once some homes were repaired and the families could move back in, then the volunteers moved into FEMA trailers. This experience has changed my life and my husband and I feel we have certainly received more than we have given in the three months that we have been here. After all, "there is more happiness in giving than in receiving." Give in any way you can!!

I've wanted to come volunteer to help, but didn't know where to stay, now that I find out it's closed, why aren't the local churches pitching in and using there schools, or other large buildings for shelter. When I went down with the Red Cross right after we stayed at the Navy SeaBee Base in Gulport... 600 of us! It worked! Give people someplace to sleep and we'll do what we can to help!!

I'm sorry that people are Monday morning Quarterbacking the Morrell decision to remove the iCare facility.
I'm sure that this decision was hard to make,as many people still need their help.
Safety is the first concern and restructuring should follow.
Kudo's to the Morell family. Your kindness is surely appreciated.

My wife and I have many memories of our 5 weeks at the foundation. The kids who came to help called me the mad hatter and a few left with the hats. We (as the cooks) fed 800+ at the peak while we were there .It was task I found that left us both with great admiration of the young people from all over this nation. I still am looking for my shark bait (little bodies).

Typically College Dorms might be a good idea to house the volunteers. But remember that some of the Universities in the area (Tulane for instance) was closed for the entire Fall term and probably more than normal amounts of students are registered for Summer Term to make up for lost time and continue their lives. Might want to check with the university registrar offices to determine additional capacity for housing that can be used for volunteers.

It is SO refreshing to hear a positive news story. The only negative is the iCare Village being shut down. Hopefully, arrangements can be made to accomodate volunteers still wanting to help.

Using churches for housing is naturally the first thought, but the churches have been affected/destroyed as well and are doing all they can just to offer Liturgies and care for their people.
It is so difficult to understand that the destruction is everywhere.

Hey andy, why not USM (University of Southern MS), it is only about an hour north of Gulfport and I am sure there is plenty of room on the campus.

jeff... maybe southern ms. your right!...good thinkin'

Some thoughts.....Having been to that area, I understand ICARE being concerned about hurricanes. Their camp is RIGHT on the beach. I wonder if they considered moving it back to the I 10 area in a field or large unused parking area. I am sure most churchs are already being used for volunteers and are probably booked for the summer. Many college groups are bringing tents and setting up NEAR a church in order to use their facilities. This works in many instances. WHat about the local schools that are closed for the summer. How about an arrangement to sleep there and pay a nightly price to cover costs. Also some restaurants are now open and volunteers are able to buy their own food, and not have to have meals provided for them at food tents, etc. Just some suggestions.

I am comming down the first of July to Baton Rouge for a year to work with Habitat. I am an AmeriCorp member and trying to find a place to live for a year has been very hard. I have called every apartment complex i could think of and they have no room right now. Not to sure were I will live but I am coming down anyways because I feel that help is so much needed down there. This is going to be an expriance for me but it is very scary not knowing were I'm going to live. I should be down in Waveland sometime this year. Thanks to everyone who has and who will help out all over the Gulf.

I just got back a few days ago from working in Waveland and Ocean Springs. This was my fifth trip and for those who haven't been there, most of you don't know what has gone on, FEMA did there job.Zoning has prevented a lot of the trailers from being set up. Also the infrastructure has to be completely rebuilt in a lot of areas. The movement of the houses also pulled and loosened a lot of the underground pipes. For those who complain about the churches not doing enough, they were damaged or are gone just like everything else. You people don't get it, basically nothing is left. Not one building (including churches) was left standing in Clermont, 90-95% of Waveland, Bay St.Louis and Long beach are gone. People not only lost there homes and cars or trucks, but also their jobs. The churches that can provide assistance are. I have slept in four churches, a bunk house, a tent and a house in New Orleans. We all hear about New Orleans because that is where a major airport is located. The media can fly in talk to some squeeky wheels (that have been accustomed to government handouts )and be out in a few hours. Mississippi is a 1000x worse off.

I guess that MSN doesn't think this is good story to continue to cover. Maybe they should concentrate on whatever the general population is interested in. Maybe the current "movie stars" latest divorce. What has happened on the Gulf Coast is important but then we don't like to continue to read about reality.

As a member of a disaster relief group I know for a fact that churches are helping in any way possible. Provided our group is a national church convention that respondes to disasters we rely on local host churches for food & housing. As mentioned in previous post many churches aren't standing anymore, and the one's that are allow volunteer groups a place to stay. We all need to remember that different churches and their conventions are often times the one's on the front lines helping people. If these groups weren't volunteering down south the cleanup, recovery, and rebuild process would be even slower then what it is. Our teams don't want the recognition of the media. That might be why some people don't know what the churches are doing down south.

If you would like to volunteer get connected with your local home town church and see what there plans are. You never know what God might have in store for you.

I have been working the Gulf Coast starting Nov. and
I've always been able to find a church to stay in. Miss. LA. or Tx, all the churchs have put us up and some even feed us. Go out there and put your feet on the ground and you will see and feel the real love we have for each other.

The Morrell Group was located on the beach, and the last set of storms almost blew their tents away. I would've moved as well. Living in this blasted FEMA trailer feels like being in a can with 50 people beating on it with spoons during hard rainfalls. Leaving the beach was one of the smart things the Morrell Foundation did. Being there was not safe for anyone.

The main part of this story though, is that Joe Williams is swamped. I don't doubt it. He has weasled himself into a position that he cannot handle and the
Hancock County folks won't get someone that can. His county warehouse is stocked with items that are not being issued to people that need them, and Joe is swamped? Joe would be swamped with 50 volunteers.

The Lagniappe Presbyterian Church has arrived in town and is to take on alot of the volunteer workers and the paperwork. Now people should start receiving the volunteers they have been waiting for for months. That will leave Joe Williams to do whatever it is that he does.

I know it is a hugh thing to coordinate volunteers. Maybe Habitat could ask someone locally to assess the number of locals with housing who maybe can put someone up. I know most of BSL and Waveland were under water and those that did not have it may be helping others, but it may come up with some spots. Also to you all who cannot imagine the devastation, I have lived here all my life. It is very hard even @ this time to see what once was a beautiful area full of life, businesses and homes to have so much loss and so many places gutted or just nothing left standing at all.

My husband and I formed a missions organization right after Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We watched with great trepidation as the hurricane moved with almost criminal calculation and definite purpose as it was coming through the Gulf. It was as if it was a living, breathing monster that overshadowed the Gulf, the coastal counties of Mississippi and most importantly the people of that area. Our group was filled with many emotions, pain, anger, disbelief at the amount of destruction, but most of all we felt an incredible need to help. That is when the orgainzation was formed. We started with personal cars, vans and we would bring down basics....food, water, paper products, etc. We have graduated as the needs changed....now we have two panel delivery trucks that contain anything you could need in everyday life. We have towels, washcloths, toiletries, dish towels, dish cloths, cleaning supplies, paper products, plastic products, pots & pans, irons, mixers, bowls, dishes, silverware, grills, toaster ovens, electric skillets, crockpots, toasters, sandwich makers (all of the electrical appliances save on the propane!!), sheets sets, pillows, hair dryers, curling irons, feminine products, adult diapers (Depends), baby items...clothing, diapers, baby wipes, cereal, formula, juice, food, toys, medicine; adult medications, heavy duty electrical cords, blankets, comforters, water, food -canned and fresh, table top ironing boards, Bibles, school supplies, new clothing, shoestrings, kitchen utensils, small rugs, insect repellent, insect killer, fryers, laundry detergent, bleach, mold cleaner and anything else we can arrange to have that may help the people of Hancock County. We serve the cities of Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Lakeshore, Clermont Harbor, Ansley and Pearlington. The people of this region are so strong, so brave and so resilient. I am so honored and so privileged to have had the opportunity to come to the coast since right after the storm. We try to come down every other weekend, but have come every weekend on occasion. We are compelled by the suffering we see to continue to serve in that area. We have encountered some issues that we have seen on mission trips to a third world country...open sewers running in the neighborhood ditches for instance. This is a testimony of how far this region still has to go to regain a hint of normalcy. We too have had difficulty finding a place to stay. Because we leave on Friday evening after work, drive all night from northern KY and arrive near Hattiesburg around 3am, sleep 2-3 hrs, head for the coast, work the neighborhoods all day until well after dark, return to near Hattiesburg, sleep a few hours and head for home very early on Sunday we really need accommodations closer to Laurel to facilitate the drive home on Sundays. Our travel time one way is 10-12 hours with our delivery truck. But once you see the coast, get to know the people and see the need....how can you not continue to go, not serve, not dedicate yourself to improving the life of someone?? We are driven by the command of our Lord Jesus Christ to "GO!" and that is what we will continue to do until there is no need. I'm very sorry to see the Morrell Foundation pull out, however, rather than criticize let us extol the service they alone provided while they were there. It was a beacon of hope for those in Waveland and the Bay. However, when God closes a door He also opens another. In any case, the small organizations such as ours will continue to be on the coast to help, to serve, to listen and probably most importantly to encourage.

WOW!!! I was very fortunate to have been introduced to an amazing man who helped headline a group of volunteers named the Bucks Mont Katrina Relief Project (www.bucksmontkatrinaproject.org) based in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. I decided to go to volunteer in Waveland, Bay St. Louis, for Hancock County and the EOC (Emergency Operations Center.

I agree with Mr. Richard Berry's comments (Stated above - June 4, 2006) wholeheartedly. I worked with Joe Williams, his wife, as well as his office staff, Mary and another volunteer Irene. Although everyone is taxed to say the least, you would never know it, dispite their own personal Katrinia challenges, they continue to move forward and keep fighting to save and rebuild this area. Their committment is more than phenomenal, God Bless them all!! The fact that they have been amazingly positive, caring, helpful and still even after 10 months, they have smiles on their faces, quite amazing. It would be very understandable that one could easily feel overwhelmed on a daily basis, but they still keep moving forward. I know God put all of them there for a reason. I am so incredibly thankful and wonderfully blessed to have met them all. Mary and Irene, I know you have asked me to come back, I am working hard on trying to do so. We had some great laughs and we were able to provide some great humor and comic relief. What a great team we were together and I know in my soul, no one is going to beat us.

However, in trying to assist in the volunteering process,, please know this area has just scratched the surface, it will take an amazing amount of time, severe patience, talented and skilled labor, love and the respect of our fellow men and women to make this work. Joe HAS and STILL IS doing an amazing job.

I encourage and challenge people in the tri-state area (Philadelphia-PA/NJ/NY) to check into this website. See and become a participant of an amazing group of wonderful people who have given many good things to the Waveland, Bay St. Louis area. tHEY HAVE ALL GIVEN me the most fruitful experience of my life!

I want to thank all of you for helping us. I don't know what we would have done without you.

Lorri from PA. couldn't have said it better. I, too, have been to the area and left with much more than I could ever bring. God Bless them all...

Thanks to all who go and help my former home; as I have personally been unable to go due to family and finances. God bless you all!

Thank you to everyone who has helped the Gulf Coast since Hurricane Katrina. Please be assured that all of the churches have been housing volunteers since 2 days after the hurricane hit. As stated above, many places were destroyed and housing is at a premium. Many volunteers are coming here during the summer. Thank you so very much. If anyone can come here after August, there will be more space available for housing. There is also an enormous need for skilled labor. Licensed carpenters, roofers, painters, sheetrockers would be most appreciated to help in the rebuilding. We are also working hard to clean up the coastline and the marshes. All of this must be done by hand; big machines will destroy the ecological balance. Again, we can't thank our volunteers enough. You are the hands and feet of Christ for us.

I just want everyone to know how grateful my fifty-something brother and sister-in-law are for the volunteer help they received clearing some of the debris from their property in Bay St. Louis. They did not evacuate during Katrina, and when the water was up to their chins on the second floor of their house they swam out the window and clung to a 40 ft. tree for 4 hours while the storm raged. They did survive and got out, but lost everything. It seemed like much of the debris from all around the the neighborhood washed onto their property and piled there. My sister-in-law just couldn't say enough about the young and strong college student volunteers full of goodness and energy helping to clear the boards into piles so my brother and her might try to find a few momentos within the wreckage. The devistation is horrible, the emotional toll is steep, my brother and sister-in-law still break down and cry when they talk about it. My nephew just got married down there over Memorial Day, and although they are trying to just go on, everything is a reminder of Katrina and what they are still facing. Pray for them there. It is very hard. Thanks to all the great people who are responding to the calls for help and are doing whatever they can. God bless you all.

I volunteered in Pass Christian in February. My only regret is that I did not have more time to help the loving and gracious people there. I met new friends who were volunteers and residents of MS. I would encourage any one who has the time and rescources to head down on faith and help. For those who cannot get away, donations are greatly appreciated there. There are people there who will see that the donations go to those in need.

Sharon from refuge missions,
It is wonderful to see how truly blessed the people of Waveland and Bay St Louis are thanks to people such as yourself. I live in Ohio but can and do understand the devestation the storm caused. I was raised in Bay St Louis and graduated high school in 1984. My mother still resided there when the storm struck and after the public safety officials cleared for the residents to go home, my wife and I returned in an attempt to find my mother. The caravans seen on the freeways just a few days after the storm were numerous but seeing how there are still volunteers that take the time from their schedules to travel as you do, is truly a blessing from GOD. God bless you and your co-volunteers for the effort put forth.

THANK YOU ALL for helping our Mississippi Gulf Coast. We Mississippian's are strong and proud, but also know when we need help. Our country is filled with alot of good people and we seen them come in a time of need to help an unknown neighbor. Thanks again and Bless you all

Thank you for all that you have done!

I have to agree with Cindy Newell, being one of Jehovah's Witnesses myself, I've gotten many many good reports of the work that the friends have accomplished. For one example:

Some figures from LA
May 2006 report

79 Kingdom Hall's repaired or rebuilt
9 scheduled

3,750 homes repaired
1,137 to be repaired

1,500 families lost everything.

2 of the 4 relief committees scheduled to be all done by end of May.

769 homes still need roofs in FL.
Asking for volunteers.

I have read more recent reports on the work in Louisiana and Mississippi, and some personal ones from our Son-in-law and Granddaughter from Washington state who have recently returned from there, with every hope to help again in December. If everyone with the ability to pitch in and would arrange for and schedule a time and go down there it would make the load much lighter.

So as you can see, it takes "organized" group effort for the work to be accomplished.

As a former resident of the MS Gulf Coast my heart is with everyone there, we still haven't heard about many old friends who could still be in the area. My main complaint is that all the attention is sent to New Orleans which was "put together" enough to hold Mardi Gras!!!! Many of the good people of Mississippi still don't have a place to call home. It's a shame that the people in a position to do something about it would rather help those that don't need it as much as you do. I would much rather see my tax dollars go to help "family" in Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Waveland and Biloxi than in New Orleans. My parents were hard hit by Rita in Texas that came on the heels of Katrina and they are being told that there's no money to help them. My mom is 76 and my dad is 81, living in a FEMA trailer with not a lot of hope of rebuilding. It's sad when the people that really NEED the help have to suffer because the help went to those that raised the most sand about it!

Yes. Thank you, thank you!

A thousand times is not enough....

Your love and compassion are the foundation for our MS Gulf Coast to rebuild.

And that foundation will never be moved or forgotten.

May the Lord bless you all abundantly according to His loving kindness.

my thought is stop criticizing people and do something about it. most of these people who are coordinating the relief efforts in the gulf cities are hurricane survivors themselves. they are doing the best they can with what they've been dealt. i volunteered in september in gulfport with the north carolina baptist men. it was a humbling experience to say the least. my suggestion for people wanting to volunteer is contact your local church or relief association. a lot of times they are partnered with a local church or organization that will house and feed the volunteers. that is how the nc baptist men work. you are given a specific job, somewhere to stay and are fed. but remember these organizations can't work without donations also. the people of gulfport, esp. those of pass roads church are awesome. if you are able volunteer do it! you will come away a different person.

What is the problem, there are thousands of military tents in surplus (that are older, not upgraded types not the kind that the military is using in Iraq, and Afganistan). Why let the old surplus military field equipment rot in warehouses. The President needs to authorize quick movement of these items through the federal military to the state national guard units, and they could disperse it in a short time and create tent city's for volunteers.

I know this may sound selfish to some, but I truly mean for it to be just informative. Mississippi and the City of New Orleans both suffered terrible destruction. To say the Mississippi is 1000 times worse seems just uninformed to me. I lived on Lake Catherine Island. Outside of the levee system; while still inside of the NO city limits. The eye of Katrina went right over us then turned and went down Hwy 90 to Bay St. Louis, Gulfport, Biloxi and etc. Lake Catherine looks just like Bay St. Louis, like a bomb went off. Only six houses left standing or partially standing. Out of about 250 houses. Infrastracture gone. We got electricity finally in April 2006. Mississippi is damaged maybe sixty miles inland. Just unheard of in Hurricane history! Infranstracture gone, houses gone, people gone. Incredible! At the 17th street canal breach I had a friend who luckily saw water ouside her windows then they imploded and she and her husband and dog had minutes to get to the attic and cut hole in roof. I had two aquaintances die in NOE. My husband and I lost both of our jobs in hospitals. We lived with relatives, tried NO again, he found no good jobs. We have moved on with our lives to Tennessee and new jobs finally. It has taken us eleven months but we are finally on our feet. It is heartbreaking for thoes who stayed in NO and Mississippi and thoes of us who have had to move on. We are in our sixties and can not fathom rebuilding. We love all of you who are helping and thank God for you each and everyone. We are helping any of our neighbors, who ask, with their insurance problems by giving support to their attorneys and themselves. That is all we can do at this time, but at least we feel we are helping in some small way.

to the people who are volunteers staying in fema trailers... don't you know that you are in danger of being prosecuted??? blows my mind...

my sister is in waveland, she and her companion of 15 yrs had shared a home, so when the time came, fema offered them both trailers... she told them over and over again that she didn't need one... they kept calling... but god forbid she accepted it and let someone else live in it... i have another sister up in picayune who still has another family staying in her house, but she can't let them have the trailer either...

i hope that the trailers that are in storage are being saved for the next disaster rather than housing volunteers, keep in mind that those trailers may not survive another storm, and then the people who are living in them now will be homeless again.

not that i don't think the volunteers deserve them, i know that the need is great... i too have been there, and was just awestruck at the damage... to all the people who suggest schools, churches, etc... yea, there just aren't any...

btw, my sister and her guy went up to tennessee immediately after the storm and got married... and then returned to waveland to help others...

god bless you all...

I can't say enough for the churches that have partnered with our church, FBC Vancleave, to help in the relief effort. Being just 20 miles north of Ocean Springs which is on the beach, our church, along with others in our town, have been able to provide housing & food to volunteers that have been so needed. Churches that partnered with ours came from North Carolina, Florida, Ohio, Georgia, California, and even one from Canada. It has been a blessing to us and to them. As one volunteer commented to me, "The pictures don't do justice to the devastation. You have to see it for yourself." That is my challenge to any and all that just don't understand the challenges that the Mississippi Gulf Coast is still facing. Come and let God bless you!

I want everyone in this country to go down to the gulf and simply help. i went down there over spring break, and never wanted to leave to come back to Kansas, to go back to school. i simply could not get over the fact, i would be walking down the halls of a high school while people in the gulf, are just starting to come back to their homes. The hardest part of the trip for me was going back to my house i grew up in, and grasping the concept that it was GONE, and the fact it would never look the same as it once did. i think people do not REALLY understand everything what has happened until they simply GO DOWN THERE. i found that the news was VERY MISLEADING. Fema, for the most part has done an excellent job. Yes they have screwed up, but I bet anyone in their spot would have screwed up the same way, or even more. I want EVERYONE to take a week out of his or her time, and go down there and help. Don’t make ANY excuses, because simply there are no good enough reasons why not to go down there. I am EXTREMELY allergic to mold, and look at me, I am ALIVE. I want to THANK everyone who has HELPED in any way down there. Continue doing the excellent work you have all done, and keep the prayers up. People down there are VERY THANKFUL of anything you do.

All of the equipment, furnishings, food and all other usable items that Morell had when they closed were given to the brand new Lagniappe Presbyterian Church in Bay St Louis. They have air conditioned dormitory space,showers, toilets and top notch food facilities to accommodate up to 200 volunteers. They need volunteers from August to whenever. Skills are important but not necessary: a loving heart and a desire to help are the most welcome. Their web pages are Lagniappe Presbyterian Church.com. The phone numbers are: 228 467 3887 or 864 879 8449.There is much work to be done and the church has all the facilities to make your after-work time as comfortable and rewarding as possible

If there are not enough dorm rooms, how about the other school buildings that are left further inland. Many volunteer groups would be happy to provide their own food if they only had a roof to protect them while they rested. They can still shower at Baptist Men's sites. I was in Gulfport for a week back in October and the schools were being used for volunteer housing back then also. Now that school is out for the summer, I would think that there would be plenty of room just to crash.

I just came back from a week in Lakeshore MS. We were able to stay at the Lakeshore Baptist Church. It was completly washed away in the storm and nothing was left but the steeple. A military type hut was built to house the church and volunteers. They have also set up a kithchen and temporary shower trailer. They have also set up a lumber mill to provide lummber for rebuilding from downed trees in the area. I had a very fullfilling week and plan to go back when I get more vacation time. It is hard to believe that the USA, the wealthiest nation on earth, that Christian volunteers are doing most of the cleanup and rebuilding. Believe me there are many hamoes that have not been mudded out yet. The insurance companies did not pull through for most of the people since they did not have flood insurance. It was not a flood but a hurricane that caused the damage.

Deana, The schools in Gulfport faired much better than those in the Bay/Waveland area. I don't know if they are using schools to house volunteers, but you must remember that many of the classes have been taking place in temporary trailers or in tents, themselves. It's a different world than the one you might imagine.

Jim Albe, for those folks who would like to help with Dollars because they can't come in person, perhaps you or someone of authority could post an address and or phone # where the money could be sent. It was recently,this past week, reported that so much donated money has been misused already. That it isn't going to the people and places it was intended for. And that makes me furious to say the least. I would like to help as well but can only do it this way and would like to know where the money goes other than the Red Cross or other Agency. There is just too much Red Tape to suit me. Granted, they do wonderful work, but I would like to keep everyone Honest. So, if anyone has a local, trustworthy address where we, who are interested, can send a check, please post it as soon as possible so that we can send you some needed funds and directly help the different groups in their efforts. Thanks to all the folks who have helped already.

Hello , i don't know what to say ..I'm a single mom and worked hard for what i had..on the day of the storm i was orgered out of what i called my home..my world and my life ..the next day I found out by tring to get to it that it was all gone..I lived off washington ave in gulfport miss.off Caundet RD.My home was completely under water..I was told to leave everything and get out..My landlords said it would be ok that it made it through Camille.The next Day
come to find it all destroyed..I worked hard for all that I and my son had..after the storm I was rushed to Memphis Tn where my son and I was picked up by my younger brother that lives in South Haven Miss..and taken to my sis in memphis...My son quit talking and having accidents regurly because of the storm ..I hjave seen many mental health doctors because of this since then...allmost 8 months later i resided in a place called millington Tn..I have gotten a place to stay and working to getting my self allot of help because of the nightmares that has been caused from this storm..Lets start by saing i walked the streets of Memphis tring to survive with no way to get around being called a burden to everyone because a natrual disaster reced my life..Now that im some what stable...i wonder why it happened to me? I lived a good life and happy one and helped any one that i asked..i have wondered why and what i copuld have done to prevented losing my home..I got to say there was nothing i could have done...my son still today ask me ..mom why did Katrina take what was mine. why my toys mom? i said God saved ur life thats all you need to say noah thats a good thing ..only a few miles away many people didn't make it son..and to this day he prays for all the lost souls that went down in the storm at dinner and tells god that he loves him...I have learned allot from this storm.Love everyone and thing because one day it might all be gone ..i kbnow i lost it all ..and all i had was God and my son left..i still cry today not because that i lost it all because I still need Help and no one CARES but about thereself..thanks forever Brandy Hoetger pickleplay@xipline.com

I just returned from the Hancock County EOC after working a week with my youth group from Chicago. I just want to say that I am overwhelmed with awe at what is going on in the Gulf of Mississippi. I can't imagine what it was like right after the Katrina hit since there is so much devastation still existing right now. It was very hard to leave knowing how much still needs to be done for the beautiful people of the area. Our group has made a commitment to continue to help while we go on with our comfortable lives back in Chicago.

I want to thank those volunteers who helped us with housing, meals and organized our work sites each day during our stay at the ball field in Kiln. Angelica, Brian and Joanne could not have been nicer. Their time,compassion and encouragement for the families of the area as well as our youth group was incredible.

Our prayers will continue to be with all of you and we hope we can return next spring. In the meantime, we thank all of the people we encountered in your area. Your spirit of hope and survival has truly impacted the young people I work with. We received ten times more than we gave.

Kathy Gutierrez
St. Christina Youth Minister
Chicago, Illinois

Brandy....I care!!....I hope y'all get better

If you want to donate go to www.baystlouis.us and you will see volunteer organisations working in the Bay/Waveland area. Don't know how up to date it is, so you may want to call a few to verify they are still doing work there currently. Hope that helps.

I'm a volunteer from NJ who has been to the Gulf Coast twice. Once in Nov 2005 and again in May 2006. Not much has changed. While a lot of he debris has been removed, the people still live in tents and in trailors. My heart breaks for them. It is so unfair that they have had so little help from the government. I heard it over and over again - If it weren't for so many caring volunteers they don't know what they would do. But, volunteers can do so much. Our resources and time is limited. I will be returning again this fall but I worry about them during this hurricane season. My heart and prayers continue for the Gulf Coast. I pray that this will be a quiet season. God Bless You All.

If you need a place to stay and work to be lined up for you in the Bay/ Waveland area, you can contact one of two places.
1. Main Street Methodist Church 228/467-4538

2. First Baptist on Main Street 228/467-4005

Both of these churches have been working tirelessly since Katrina and have volunteer organizations helping within them. They can get you connected.

Thank you for you interest!!!!!!!

Unfortunately, USM Hattiesburg would be nearly impossible. I work there, and there are already students on waiting lists due to overcrowding. Many Gulf Coast students had to come there when their own homes were destroyed, and there aren't enough dorms (or even apartments in town!) for all the students who are enrolled in classes. It's just a mess all around, which is too bad because Hattiesburg WOULD be convenient.

To answer Trudy regarding donations for disaster relief. There are many religious organization you can give to. If you read about the organization and what % of your money goes to you might be surprised. Many religious organizations will spell out what 100% of your donation goes to. Granted, in most cases unless you have a direct connection with a group you don't know if they are trustworthy.

My personal recommendation is to give to Christian organizations that have been there on the front lines helping. You see them in action and know that they care about helping people. Many times these organizations are affliated with a local church in the area that was devasted. (If nothing else give to the effected church in the area)

I have seen on different websites that will give list of what organizations have been helping in the area. (sorry, can't remember where i last saw them) They will give a list of the organizations with websites that you can check out for yourself.

I know there are numerous organizations to list and I think msnbc should have a list on the site for documented organizations to give donations to. That way if you want to give now or for when future storms hit people have a reference.

One group that I have seen listed on numerous sites and have seen in action in my own city & state is the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief Teams. There site is www.namb.net/dr. There website gives a description of what your donations go towards, who they are, and much more. (they wear the yellow shirts and hats with SBC Disaster Relief on them)

Of course the Methodist, Catholics, Lutherans, and many more have websites and information but that is the one I know of and would recommend.

Try Hancock County Fairgrounds if you have not already. Approval would be needed from county officials but I am sure that could be done. Tents and material could be obtained from state or federal sources. You would need to expedite red tape, etc.

Thanks CB, I will check that website out as well as the other denominations. I don't care what religion the people are, everyone needs help.

My husband and I built a Habitat house in Jackson Mississippi last month and we had a day trip to Bay St. Louis and Waveland area. We were shocked by the current level of reconstruction- really a lack thereof. it is apparent that rebuilding will take years. I have been compelled by this storm- I don't know why. I have just organized a non-profit- Heavenly Housing, Inc. to provide housing to volunteers in these disaster areas. I hope to rehab or build residential units that will be available before the Holidays. I am seeking media exposure and donations.

Our church up here on the Northshore of Lake Michgigan is assisting a church in Mississippi and its congregation to rebuild. It's great and encouraging to hear about all the good people helping
the victims of Katrina.
Buchert- Illinois

BRANDY, I READ YOUR COMMENTS AND WAS HEART-BROKEN TO THINK THAT SOMEONE OUT THERE FEELS THAT NO ONE CARES. I LIVE IN HOUSTON,TX AND MY FAMILY AND I CARE. WE READ THE COMMENTS WEEKLY BECAUSE WE FEEL YOUR PAIN. HAVING LIVED THROUGH HURRICANE ANDREW IN 1992, BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY TO HAVE FAITH AND CONTINUE TO PRAY AND GOD WILL SEE YOU AND YOUR SON THROUGH.REMEMBER YOU DON'T SEE A SECOND SET OF FOOT- PRINTS BESIDES YOU BECAUSE GOD IS CARRYING YOU!!

What about starting a camp at Flint Creek? It is far enough North to be somewhat safe and big enough to start something great, big, orgaized, and safe. Volunteers could be shuttled in busses to and from the sight to their designated areas or they could drive themselves What ever works. The beach areas could be used as meeting points after work for the day is done or when groups need to check in. I applaud the volunteer coordinator and thank him for the wonderful work he is doing. We have been away from the Coast for 4 months now returning to see the wonderful work of all the volunteers and locals who stand strong a push forward. We now live in Seattle Washington and it is painful when we tell someone that we are from the Mississippi Gulf Coast and thier response is Oh New Orleans, I have made countless efforts to correct them. Yes Cindy I am sure you can find a place to stay in New Orleans, they still have buildings where as places on the Mississippi Gulf Coast have none. On Wedsnesday some friends had to be evacuated from a site in New Orleans they were working on cleaning a house out and they had drive by shootings a block away from where they were working. The Church Group evacuated to keep their volunteers safe. There is so much to say about that but it looks like we need to focus our positive energy on volunteers and the great works they have and will accomplish everywhere devistated by Hurricane Katrina.

As bad as Hurricane Katrina was, the outpouring of help and compassion is even better. I met Joe Williams and some of the people in Bay St. Louis-Waveland in April on a visit there with my group of volunteers. Joe and his fellow Mississippians are an inspiration and a blessing that defy their misfortune. Our group, the Bucks Mont Katrina Relief Project, will stand by them through reconstruction.

I came across the video with this article and recognized a very good friend of mind working as a volunteer. Her name is Felix and her husband Curtis. They had only recently purchased a home in Waveland when Katrina hit. As I was evacuated from the Dome by bus I ended up in a very small town in northern Texas and have had no touch with them since. Does anybody out there know how I could reach them? If so, PLEASE pass on my info.903-583-3410

Ron, thanks for your help. The volunteers and paid workers who have come down to help have been wonderful and will never be forgotten. But please don't say "Reconstruction." You know how we down South never forget. LOL

do you know alot of americans across america besides these area are in need of this kind of help too. do you know of a place or person who can help us with volunteers to help us and mybe others with roofing it just cost to much to have professional roofers come in.

I just came back from working in this area..the group i went with did roofing and sheetrock....its still a massive undertaking in that area..and most are praying another hurricane doesn't come through the area for fear that then the news media will move on to the next story and forget about those in need down there..I just was speechless when these people who had Nothing....were sooo thankful of what our groups were doing for them...not because of money..we were not paid to go there.....and we didn't go for praise..we went because this group of teenages wanted to make a difference ...Now tell that to the media...no trouble makers..but life changers...

The I CARE VILLAGE was an important part in the recovery process, Their vision, is one that I carry in our own mission to particapition in the rebuilding of the coast. I thank the family of the Morrell family for their kind heart. Yes, its been a year, and still thousands of families still wonder how they will rebuild their lives. The area still needs teams to come and help out these families. This work is not for the lazy, squemish, no heart, non-caring, persons, These should stay at home, and deal with their own situation. However, if your tough enough to get down to work and really want to make a difference in someones life then come and cowboy it up and just do it! If you go to lpcpca.com you will find a place to come and help a family in need. Now is the perfect time for your group to come!

See you soon!
Conrad
Lagniappe staff

When i voulenteered over spring break i stayed in Biloxi in Camp Biloxi, at Bethel Lutheran and Good Shepherd Lutheran Churches. It was so organized. Every morning we would wake up and have breakfast, our team leader would go to the green house and get our assignments, which wouldnt take very long, they would include mapquest directions and a list of what needed doing. While we stayed in Camp Biloxi we were housed in "Tent City" which was about 4 or 5 tents( i cant quite remember) The big 3 pointed type, they were filled with bunk beds and each slept about 70 or 80 people. It was amazing! you can go to http://www.ldr.org/volunteer/hurricanevols.html#Mississippi to find more information. if you ever get the chance to go DO IT IN A HEART BEAT! besides all of the lives you help and change for the better, you learn so much, and it is the greatest experience!

Does anyone know of any contacts in the Pass Christian MS area for volunteers I was there but the group is no longer active and I would like to go back to the area again