If there is a positive to be found amid the devastation inflicted on Bay St. Louis, Waveland and Hancock County by Hurricane Katrina’s storm surge it can be found in another type of torrent – the vast river of volunteers that in one year has helped lift these shattered Mississippi coastal communities from the depths of despair.
Almost since Day One, they have arrived all along the Gulf Coast in vast numbers by bus, truck, motorcycle and car and leaped into action with nary a word of complaint about the filthy, back-breaking work. Especially in the early days, many slept in tents and endured relentless heat, humidity and nasty bugs for the privilege of assisting their countrymen.
“So many of them, when we thank them for their efforts, they turn around and say, ‘No. Thank y’all for the experience,’” says Bay St. Louis Mayor Eddie Favre, shaking his head in amazement.
Their motivations for helping are diverse, but many explain their involvement in terms of faith or patriotism -- or sometimes both.
“It’s a calling of our Christian faith. It’s what’s required of us,” says 35-year-old Mike Zeiderman, who came to Hancock County from Michigan as a United Methodist Church volunteer. “But it’s also being an American. This was bigger than Pearl Harbor, bigger than 9-11.”
Most observers agree that the faith-based organizations deserve the majority of the credit for picking up where government and private organizations left off -- helping to feed and clothe homeless residents, clearing debris and doing repair work.
Mainstream Christian denominations have been most active in the area, but Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Scientologist and Jehovah’s Witness groups also have assisted in the recovery effort, they say.
But a year after the storm, there is concern in Hancock County that the river of volunteerism may be slackening, which would be a major blow to this hard-hit area where the Katrina cleanup is still not completed and local governments are teetering on the brink of insolvency.
Declining numbers seen
Joe Williams, Hancock County’s coordinator for volunteers and donations, said he has seen a noticeable decline in the response since the beginning of hurricane season on June 1.
“Some camps that had an average of 150 to 300 are now down to 30 to 75,” he says.
Williams believes the drop-off is in part attributable to the fact that skilled workers – particularly in demand as the focus shifts from relief to rebuilding – are in the midst of their own building seasons at home and that the numbers will pick up again in the fall.
He also is counting on repeat volunteers to fuel a sustained recovery effort that he says will require the gift of their manpower for a minimum of “three to five years.”
“People who come here become part of your family, and you always want to see your family,” is how he explains the repeat visitors.
That certainly applies to Zeiderman, who felt the pull as soon as it came time to leave.
“I came down for three months as a volunteer and when my time was up, I realized I couldn’t go home,” he says.
Mike Zeiderman
He solved his dilemma by landing a job as a host site coordinator with the Mississippi Conference for United Methodists at “Camp Gulfside,” a relief organization that exists only through the efforts of volunteers and $10,000 a month in donations needed to keep it running. His new wife, Annette, also works for the organization, and the couple moved to the area in January.
Zeiderman’s job involves getting the volunteers to a job site where they are needed and making sure they are aware of both the duties and dangers – dehydration, heat stroke, snakes, black widow spiders, etc. -- of a stint on the disaster’s front lines.
Residents first, homes second
Briefing a group of eight volunteers from the First United Methodist Church in West Point, Miss. – all but one of them veterans of previous missions in the area – Zeiderman urges them to concentrate on the residents they are helping more than the physical labor.
“Our focus is rebuild the hearts first, the homes second,” he tells them. “If they want to talk or they offer to cook you lunch, please allow them to do so.”
He then dispatches most of the group to help put the finishing touches on the foundation of a new home built entirely by volunteers.
They arrive just in time for a blessing of Colleen McDevitt’s new pink home with a “Thank you, Jesus” sign hanging above the front door.
John White, a retired Los Angeles city firefighter who is president of Firefighters for Christ, presides over the ceremony, leading a group of about 40 volunteers in prayer and then dabbing a bit of oil above the door jamb in a ritual borrowed from the Old Testament.
White says he met McDevitt, 52, in mid-September during his first visit to the area, then returned to California and bought $5,000 or $6,000 worth of tools and a trailer and set off to Mississippi.
All told, he says, firefighters from all over California and Washington made seven trips to the area – staying between seven and 10 days each time – to complete the project.
“And all the guys who came down paid their own way and arranged for vacation,” he says.
Also on hand for the blessing of the house are volunteers from the Cornerstone Calvary Chapel in Howell, N.J., including Glenn Nelsen and his family.
Nelsen said the highlight of the trip came when his kids – Michael, 14; Robert, 12; Steven, 11; and Sarah, 9 – all pitched in on the job.
“I didn’t tell them to do anything and they just started in,” he says, beaming. “That was the cool moment.”
Overcome with emotion
McDevitt, who ran a flower shop before the storm, is overwhelmed with emotion at the blessing, but manages to get a few heartfelt words out through the tears.
“I’d like to thank God for my home,” she says. “He’s brought some amazing people into my life.”
Williams and Zeiderman are working to ensure that other residents get the opportunity to be similarly moved by people’s kindness in the coming months.
Read previous posts on the volunteers:
Church volunteers show staying power
Williams says he is working on a plan to place skilled volunteers with local contractors “so we can pass on cost savings to residents and ensure work for local contractors.”
For his part, Zeiderman says he urges departing volunteers to even higher levels of involvement.
“I always send them home with the message ‘Your work is not done.’ You need to spread the word to local newspapers and television stations … and, especially with preachers, I tell them to put a challenge out to other local churches to help. Tell them what you’ve seen and how much still needs to be done.”
For victims, the bell tolls
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This is the kind of thing that matters.
John Irby (Sent Aug 29, 2006 5:19:58 AM)
Thank you all... God bless you and please don't forget us. If given the chance, we would do the same for all of you without hesitation.
Vanessa, Waveland, MS (Sent Aug 29, 2006 6:48:58 AM)
Just awesome...truly awesome...that we as Americans can come together and look beyond diferences and see the "need" and be a blessing to each other...thank you so much for this story..
Steve Ares, Whittier, CA (Sent Aug 29, 2006 9:31:08 AM)
Our town could not have survived if it had not been for the volunteers. Thank you so much!
TS, Bay St Louis, MS (Sent Aug 29, 2006 10:01:23 AM)
I Pray that Jesus will lead more people to continue in the clean-up efforts. All the volunteers that still remail Rock! Thank you for your obedience to the call that God has for you in this season.
Keturah (Sent Aug 29, 2006 10:01:42 AM)
On this anniversary of the destruction of so many lives, I add my thoughts of thanks to the people of BSL and Waveland for the opportunity to come into their lives. They say everything happens for a reason, fate brought me to the area, but the people keep me going back. I remember you all today and thank you for accepting us into your lives. The most wonderful, loving and caring people I have ever met. God Bless you and your recovery. Hope to see you again, soon.
Peggy, fla. (Sent Aug 29, 2006 10:10:53 AM)
As a church volunteer, I went to Camp Coast Care (Lutheran Episcopal Disaster Relief) for a few days because I wanted to help and because I felt this was something God was calling me to do. I didn't realize how my life would be forever changed by the experience and more so by the people I met while there. Through the inspiration of my daughter who spent seven weeks volunteering there, I discovered that one person really can make a difference. I know that God blessed me so richly by sending me to Long Beach last fall. I wish the nation would remember the good things that happened, rather than the negative images of New Orleans playing on the Nightly News. To me, remembering Katrina means remembering the beautiful, resilient people who survived. Y'all are amazing! God bless you!
Cher (Sent Aug 29, 2006 10:20:08 AM)
It is wonderful and reassuring to read these messages and realize that America still has kind and loving Christan people in her midst. God Bless the volunters and the people in need of assistance.
Ken R. Enid, Oklahoma (Sent Aug 29, 2006 12:39:09 PM)
Batten down the hatches Florida!...I hope this one don't do y'all bad. Good luck. A storm is never good..no matter how small.
andy,booneville ms. (Sent Aug 29, 2006 1:01:30 PM)
A year after this terrible storm, I still hear the sadness and frustration from friends and family. However, everyday brings new life and new hope to our battered lives.We have many kind and giving people to thank for that.Faith based groups whoset aside their own lives to help us when times were the worst. Those of you who sent donations and offered prayers.People who encouraged us thru kind words like Andy from booneville who always has an encouraging loving word to offer these threads. The wonderful people at MSNBC, who have yet to give up on getting the message out.Last but not least, those cities, counties, churches and individuals who opened up doors to take in evacuees and pets...please know that we haven't forgotten, nor will we ever forget these many kind and unselfish deeds. They are what kept us alive.
thank you all,
Liz Zimmerman
waveland
Liz Zimmerman (Sent Aug 29, 2006 2:12:21 PM)
Since October 2005 central Pennsylvania's Lend A Hand has taken more than 400 volunteers on monthly, nine day missions to D'Iberville, Ms. The people who leave Harrisburg, Pa on a Capitol Trailways bus are not the same people who come back to Harrisburg. They are transformed. Helping others; loving your neighbor is a life changing act of kindness. God bless all those who show up and do the job of helping others and God bless our neighbors across the Gulf Coast! We're on our way to Mississippi, again!
Skip Becker, Hershey, Pa. (Sent Aug 29, 2006 2:24:26 PM)
I was one of those firefighters who went down there to help out...It was the Lord who truly cares about those people and who is sending His people down there...The praise goes to Him!
Eric, Lynnwood, Washington (Sent Aug 29, 2006 2:29:47 PM)
Thanks so much for your continued stories about the people in Mississippi. Even a year later the press is mainly remembering New Orleans. Thank you for not forgetting the people in Mississippi. There is still so much to be done. After 4 trips to the coast to help, I have been blessed each time by the incredible people we have met. Please help us continue to remember and help all of them. Thanks, Julie
Julie Gray, West Point, MS (Sent Aug 29, 2006 3:12:13 PM)
God Bless each of you volunteers for sharing your time and hearts with the people of New Orleans. I know we could bring lasting Peace to the Middle East and where ever there is war if the people fighting could understand that we are all brothers and sisters with the same Parent God. Your example brings us all one step closer fulfilling Jesus prayer "Thy Kingdom come ....on Earth as in Heaven"
Mike Smith (Sent Aug 29, 2006 3:14:18 PM)
I was one of those that went on the third trip with Fire Fighters for Christ. It was amazing to see the outpouring of love from all around the country. To God be the glory!
Y. Kim, Fullerton, California (Sent Aug 29, 2006 4:14:31 PM)
As I read about all of the Katrina volunteers helping with Mississippi, I seldom see any comments about the New Orleans area and the volunteers there. Am I just missing something here, or do others feel the same way?
Rebekah Mize, Irving, Tx (Sent Aug 29, 2006 4:14:41 PM)
I've been down twice this year on mission trips. On the last trip while working on a house a homeless man walked past and we ask how he was doing, his reply "Better now that I see people doing God's work". Once you go down and start helping it is so hard to leave. God Bless them all.
Dave Allabaugh, Newark delaware (Sent Aug 29, 2006 4:15:49 PM)
A year later and I still find myself weeping. Last year for my family members that perished in the storm, this year in joy for the people that took the time to listen to the call of God. Mississippi- thank you so much for making me proud to call you home for the majority of my life and to all of the volunteers, thank you for making me proud to be Christian. You have helped my family, clothed those without, fed the hungry- body and mind, given hope to the hopeless. Thank you is not enough. God knows your reward.
Lisa H, Mobile, AL (Sent Aug 29, 2006 4:24:53 PM)
A group of 11 from our church were in Gulfport, MS for a week rebuilding a home in July. We have already scheduled our week for next year again through Westminster Presbyterian church of Gulfport. If we could figure out how to get more time off from our jobs we would come down sooner.
Kathy b., Waukesha, WI (Sent Aug 29, 2006 5:13:48 PM)
I am glad that some of you people have woke up to the needs of other people. I have volunteered with a NGO for the past 5 years(and I still work a forty hour work week.) I hope that when this is over you will rember that there are people in your own communities that need your help and kindness.
Rick, St. Louis , Missouri (Sent Aug 29, 2006 6:32:09 PM)
Last Sepember 2005, just a few weeks after hurricane Katrina devastated the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I was asked to be a part of our mission team from First United Methodist Church in West Point, MS. Of course, I signed up without any hesitation. I have since had the opportunity to be on 4 other missions to the Gulf Coast and hope to continue whenever called upon.
I have been truly blessed with each trip. Everyone has welcomed us with loving arms into their lives and into their hearts. I want to "thank" them for allowing us to do what little we have been able to do for them. They will always have a special place in my heart!
tricia smith, west point. ms (Sent Aug 29, 2006 6:48:33 PM)
I was down in Mississippi earlier this summer on a high school mission trip with my church helping reroof a house.It was amazing.The people dont care about material possesions so much as they do their family and their amazing faith.Stuff is getting better.And with Gos help anything can happen
Amy M ,Portland OR (Sent Aug 29, 2006 7:21:52 PM)
I want to thank the tens of thousands of people who had to be here and those who volunteered to be here. We're in a big hole but we will get out. We thank the nation for its support; we have done the same for the rest of you when you were crushed.
I beg those, who feel obligated to be the moral and political judges of the region, country and world to please quit using us as pawns for your causes; it diminishes the value of your contributions and only makes us feel angry and powerless. Please leave your political causes outside of our devastated area; it adds nothing to our recovery and makes only you, not us, feel better.
Kevin Pollard, Metairie Louisiana (Sent Aug 29, 2006 10:47:14 PM)
Are there any NON RELIGIOUS volunteer trip group camps going down to help?
I would be interested in helping out on a non relgious based volunteer trip for a week or so.
As much as I appreciate all of the hard work that the religous groups have put forth, I fundamentally believe that we should help eachother, not because some god or a book, or the Bible instructs, but, because it truly sucks to see people in pain and in hardship. I also do not want to deal with excessive prostelizing.
HeatherD, Denver, CO (Sent Aug 30, 2006 12:11:40 AM)
Our church team went to Chalmette last April. It was as if each of us was walking into a massive wall of water, extending as far as the eye can see, with nothing more than a 2-gallon bucket. Two hands were on the bucket; ours and God's, and we approached the overwhelming wall determined to get the two gallons to which God was leading us! We return in October; perhaps this time to get four gallons!
Tony Niles, Springfield, VA (Sent Aug 30, 2006 9:55:17 AM)
My wife and I are planning our 4th trip back to Camp Coast Care in Long Beach, MS. We arrived a few weeks after the storm with no idea of what we were getting in to. We were so touched by the survivors and experiences that we have changed our retirement plans. We will continue to help out anyway we can.
You are not forgotten.
Kentucky Cares, erlanger, KY (Sent Aug 30, 2006 12:42:48 PM)
Rebekah Mize, the reason you don't see much about NO on this blog is because it is dedicated to the people of the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. You see, contrary to media reports and what the media is leading you to believe, "the storm" decimated the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. NO was destroyed by FLOOD waters when the levees failed. Heather D, join the Red Cross or FEMA. They sure did a lot to help.
Some people just don't get it, do they? (Sent Aug 30, 2006 1:19:02 PM)
5 leaders took a group of 19 students to Pass Christian for a missions trip in June 2006. These kids will never forget the devastation that they saw, but most of all they will never forget the experience of helping someone in need. God tells us to serve one another, we served and loved and listened and worked as if we were working for the Lord, they want to go back!
Denise Muncher, Suffolk, Virginia (Sent Aug 30, 2006 2:49:01 PM)
First Presbyterian Church of Roseville California (just outside of Sacramento) has sent a team of volunteers to New Orleans nearly every month since October. So far over 60 volunteers have paid their own way to serve for a week. We have teams going this October, November and December and are committed to doing so for the next year as well
Jim Barstos, Roseville, CA (Sent Aug 30, 2006 3:26:55 PM)
I traveled to MS from MN. I worked on Coleen's house because I'm a Christian (and affiliated with www.firefightersforchrist.org). To God be the Glory!
Chuck Hermann, Rochester, MN (Sent Aug 30, 2006 5:57:59 PM)
God bless all of you volunteers who came to help our survivors. It's wonderful to know that there are still so many loving, giving people in the world.
Rhonda, Mississippi (Sent Aug 30, 2006 11:42:18 PM)
I just returned from a mission trip to the Gulfport/Biloxi area. The experience will stay with me always and I am grateful that I was able to contribute in some small way. I hope to return soon and encourage anyone who is considering going to just go and place your faith in God. You will be rewarded ten-fold and feel really good about yourself, your neighbors, your country and humanity as a whole.
JB, Virginia (Sent Aug 31, 2006 10:30:00 AM)
It is neat to see Christians united. I am proud of the 13 from our church who went too.
Kerry S. Doyal (Sent Aug 31, 2006 11:13:38 AM)
A speceal thanks to all those folks who have come to help from outside the United States and especially those kids from the universities in Canada who along with my daughter's christian group from USC, paid their own way this summer and went to New Orlean to gut houses. May God Bless you all. (A proud Dad).
Fred Mills, Laguna Nigual, California (Sent Aug 31, 2006 6:09:39 PM)
It is about time that we see the good in this world instead of all the hate and ugliness there is. This is why I am proud to be an AMERICAN!
Joanne Longo, Syracuse Utah (Sent Aug 31, 2006 7:08:10 PM)
Hillsboro Presbyterian Church,Hillsboro, Oregon, has sent our Elder Phyllis Wright with other volunteers to Gautier, MS, to manage the PDA camp and the volunteers that come to help the victims of Katrina.
We pray God's blessing on them in thir mission of mercy.
Mike Carmickle, Forest Grove, Oregon. (Sent Sep 2, 2006 10:30:50 PM)
To see how hard people have been working never stops making me feel gratitude and love towards them. I have lived on the coast of Mississippi for 30 years and the summer weather always gets to me so I can imagine what stress it was to those from other places. For the most part we have great weather October-May so if you are planning on coming down to do some work you will have much better conditions. And when you find the time for rest there are so many festivals and activities planned in the Fall. God bless all of you that have done so much to help in our recovery.
Catherine, pass christian (Sent Sep 3, 2006 3:50:23 PM)
It don't matter if the volunteers are with a religious group or not, Thank each and every one!
andy,ms (Sent Sep 4, 2006 6:29:04 PM)
As a Mississippian, I can't find the words to adequately thank you for all you volunteers have so selflessly contributed.
May God bless and keep you.
And HeatherD, Katrina "survivors" along the Mississippi Gulf Coast will welcome you with open arms...whether you're following the Gospel, Doctrine, or simply a humanitarian heart.
Re: http://www.jackneal.net/editorial.htm
Jack A. Neal, Clinton, Mississippi (Sent Sep 5, 2006 12:19:08 AM)
I went with a wonderful team from Greensboro, NC twice, the first time was 6 weeks after the storm and then back in January 2006. We are planning to go back this November to help REBUILD instead of tearing down. What a wonderful experience it is to see so many grateful hearts and touch the lives of those who have to live in devastation all around them 24/7. We are also appreciative to Samaritan's Purse that provided tools, machines, a place to stay and HOT SHOWERS and loving folks to support us while we were there.
It's been said many times, but I truly believe that GOD is in the midst of this and He is showing us how good can come from a bad situation. Lives have been changed!
Can't wait to go back! Hi Peggy, Roger & Cindy Bordes and other families we served. Blessings to you!
Denise Finley, Greensboro, NC (Sent Sep 6, 2006 11:10:50 AM)
Shoot man, I don't think the blessings can be repaid to the volunteers who are helping rebuild! But we can show our courtisy. Thanks, Ya'll need something I can provide E- mail me.
andy,booneville ms. (Sent Sep 7, 2006 6:46:28 PM)
God bless all the volunteers who have been helping the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the rest of the storm zone rebuild, and everyone in Mississippi, Louisiana and the rest of the storm zone who's hanging in there trying to recover. I wish I could be a volunteer myself, but between being too physically and financially fragile and having too many commitments and responsibilities here at home I can only cheer you on from afar.
I hope that now that fall's about to begin and the construction season's soon winding down here in the North more people are able to help out...
And regarding what Kevin Pollard, Metairie, Louisiana said--it is sad to hear that people under the guise of helping out instead "feel obligated to be moral and political judges" and use folks in the storm zone as "pawns" for causes, which "diminishes the value of their contributions and makes us feel angry and powerless." The thought that some have been pushing morals and/or politics instead of helping merely out of the goodness of their hearts bothers me. (It makes me curious, though--I wonder what groups have been pushing their causes?)
As for "Some Just Don't Get It..." I do get it--that Mississippi was hit by the NATURAL disaster of the storm and New Orleans by the MANMADE levee breaches. The levee failure was caused by Katrina's sending a massive storm surge up the MR-GO outlet, which flooded Lake Pontchartrain, and the rest is history. So Katrina provided the "tipping point" that brought about the levee breaches. So for me Katrina and New Orleans' flooding will be inextricably linked.
And everybody should visit Jack A. Neal's website, which is truly sobering and thought-provoking...
Olivia Elizabeth Burdon, Peoria, Ill. (Sent Sep 9, 2006 2:05:50 PM)
I had such a tremendus experience down in New Orleans. I am a sophmore at SIUE, and I went down during my spring break. There was no trip that could have been more rewarding!
Brent Whipple, Edwardsville, Illinois (Sent Sep 21, 2006 12:17:03 AM)
Olivia, even tough your in Illinois, we think your a good friend to the South!..........Or should I call you Elizabeth?..... what ever Blessings to you and your's!
andy,booneville ms. (Sent Sep 26, 2006 12:59:24 PM)
andy--Thanks so much for your kind words! You can call me Olivia. Bless you and yours and everyone else who's hanging in there and trying to bring Mississippi, Louisiana, and the rest of the storm zone back!
Olivia, Peoria, Ill. (Sent Sep 28, 2006 9:24:41 AM)
Just wondered if someone would be kind enough to email me a link to an organization that is actually going and helping in the disaster zone....I have applied to the red cross, southern baptists charities, catholic charities, etc etc etc NONE of these organizations have responded. I would really like to help, but for a year solid, all my attempts to work through a faith-based charity have met with disinterest or "ok give us your information and we'll get back to you".
I love the gulf coast and it's people I would really like to help.
please email
antoniorwp@gmail.com
If you have any leads of relief organizations that are about action and not phone-tag
Antonio ATL (Sent Sep 29, 2006 2:46:18 PM)
I am on my way back to mississippi in November to work on another Habitat project. I have felt compelled to act in rebuilding, restoring, revitalizing storm impacted areas. I have created Heavenly Housing, please check out www.heavenlyhousing.org , My goal and mission will be to help all of us willing to spend our time by providing restfull lodging. Won't you help me in my mission?
Lauren, Ortonville, MI (Sent Oct 10, 2006 3:15:09 PM)
I don't know if Habitat for Humanity is faith-based, but they certainly need help. I wonder how they're doing these days regarding volunteers in Mississippi. On CNN Saturday I saw a report out of St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana. In spite of the fact that much rebuilding still needs to be done in that area, which still looks as if the storm had hit a month ago, and people there are still suffering very much, Habitat for Humanity there is hurting for volunteers. From over 2000 several months ago, there are now less than 40 working on Habitat projects.
No reason for the shortage was given, but it's easy to assume that this is due to the current lack of regular news coverage out of Louisiana and Mississippi. As the sayings go, "No news is good news," and "Out of sight, out of mind." It is an outrage that in order to support the Bush Administration's policy of neglect in Mississippi and Louisiana, the drive-by media has basically been keeping the cameras out of the storm zone. So stories showing the situation there and the fact that people still need a lot of help are rarely if ever being aired. (The story on Habitat's problems in St. Bernard Parish is the first I've seen in a long time.) These corporate-run media have a vested interest in keeping friendly GOP members of Congress in their seats. So news coverage of the slowness of rebuilding and other continuing hardships out of Mississippi and Louisiana that would not only cast the Administration in a bad light but are something our country should be ashamed of is being censored. What is going on--both the Bush Administration's having washed its hands of the storm zone and the media's supporting them by not reporting much out of there--is morally wrong. Because Americans are being deceived into thinking that conditions in Mississippi and Louisiana are back to normal.
Is it any wonder that the many who would volunteer, unaware of the work and the many challenges that remain, are instead staying home? Perhaps, due to the lack of news out of Mississippi and Louisiana, they think everything's O.K. If MSNBC were to bring back regular Rising from Ruin reports, that would be a good start.
Olivia Elizabeth Burdon, Peoria, Ill. (Sent Oct 16, 2006 8:39:19 AM)
A group of us are coming down to Camp Coast Care from SW Ontario, Canada at the end of October... and we want to help in any way we can. We'd be grateful to know what to bring - both personally and what is most needed. Many thanks!
Lynn, Ailsa Craig, Ontario, Canada (Sent Oct 18, 2006 10:10:37 AM)
I was in Waveland for 14 days last Oct. A humbling expierence to say the least. I am flying down with 8 other craftsman Nov. 12 and will be in the area all week, this year to rebuild what we helped tear down. Last year when we left waveland we left all our tools with " His Hands and Feet" another faith based group that has been in waveland since the water went down. So all we need to do is jump on a plane and pick up where we left off. The best expierence I can relay is that in all of the devistation never did I come across 1 rude person. Everyone was praising God. That just blew my mind. I am proud to be coming back to a place that taught me so much about myself.See you all Nov. 12. Mike
Mike Lenigan, Dover, DE (Sent Oct 23, 2006 4:02:22 PM)
Did you know that many of the pets belonging to the Katrina residents still have not been found or reunited! Do you know how many families are still desperately searching for them? We need to get the word out there, because somebody does know where these animals went to. It has been hard enough losing one's home and belongings, but not being able to locate one's dog, whom you truly adore and whom truly adores you, is a endless world of pain! Help us find Joffee the pomeranian, or max the jack russel terrier! Please! If anybody knows anything, contact me Natalie Hornsby. NatalieHornsby@comcast.net
They are out there and they want their families back!
Natalie Hornsby, Santa Rosa, CA (Sent Oct 24, 2006 3:52:17 PM)
Just a note: I am sitting in my office/temporary trailor listening to the steady sounds of yet another group of Volunteers rebuilding East Biloxi. Everyday there is a minimum of one group out here working. It warms my heart to see so many folks who care!!! THANK YOU. A special thatnk you goes to the NOMADS who have given so much time to my organization. May God Bless All of YOU!!
Lee Ann, Ocean Springs Misissippi (Sent Nov 2, 2006 3:57:33 PM)
It is so wonderful to be a part of something big! Little did I know that on Aug 29 2005 I would make a decision that changed my life. As I watched the horrendous news reports coming from the Gulf Coast I found it hard to do anything else but watch and wonder how this could be happening in the USA. I made a decision - I had to do something. On Nov 12 2005 I went as a volunteer to do relief work through my church. I was hooked. I went back in April 2006 and as I write this email, I am planning on returning for my third visit Nov 4, 2006. It is a wonderful place, beautiful inspite of the devastation. The people are so caring...so strong...I need them more then they need me. I want them to know that I am coming back. And will as long as I have breath in me. ttweg to go = ND 5soemrertowL I couldn't belief what I was hearing.
Leslie Rafaniello (Sent Nov 3, 2006 5:03:32 PM)
My daughter, a documentary photographer, set out for Gulfport one day after the storm to document the event. She has returned to the gulf coast several times since, convinced that the story of your loss, your courage and your amazing resiliance must be a story told. She hopes to soon honor you all with her work. Know that we have adopted you and hold you closely in our prayers.
Kathi, St. Charles, Illinois (Sent Nov 17, 2006 5:58:24 PM)
I would like to come down to the Gulf and help this winter,Im a disabled veteran ,have gone to Haiti 4 times,and play Santaclaus over there.Lots of free time,have some cash,gifts,meds,etc.Please e-mail me,or call,845-943-8290,anytime,thank you.
Alonzo R. Day Catskill Mts. N. Y. (Sent Nov 28, 2006 5:29:57 PM)
Even after all the time that has passed since Katrina, there are effective ways to communicate the on-going needs of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans. MSNBC provides an excellent public service with these articles. Our new website, www.SharedEmergency.com, offers another approach which is free of charge. Please check us out and see if we can help in the continuing effort to achieve relief and rebuilding for the affected areas.
Mitch Chester, Fort Lauderdale, Florida (Sent Dec 3, 2006 4:05:23 PM)
As one of the many Americans who rushed to the aid of the victims of Katrina, I will never forget the people of the State of Louisiana. After spending seven months in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, and Lake Charles I know our mission as Americans is not complete. Many of us have returned to our home states and our families, not forgeting the meeds of so many still trying to rebuild their lives and their homes. I pray that GOD will find a way for me to return to Louisiana and do my part, assisting our brothers and sisters of the Gulf Coast. If YOU have not had a part in this life-changing experience, maybe GOD is talking to YOU today.. Never will we forget the lives of those we were able to help, yet so many more are in need.
Dan / Gray, Maine
Daniel J. Parks, Gray, Maine (Sent Dec 14, 2006 12:39:30 PM)
A year ago today, I was in Hancock County, working with Long Term Recovery. I worked at the EOC and saw so many volunteers coming in and out each week. I'm saddened to hear that few volunteers are coming back. Mississippi needs our help still, and people forget about what happened. The media needs to remember that recovery doesn't happen overnight and help is still needed.
Recent AmeriCorps grad, Chicago (Sent Jul 7, 2007 6:05:26 PM)
This will be our third trip to Waveland, Bay ST. Lousi area. We are leving Delaware Sept. 7 for another 7 days of 12-14 hour work days. We will work harder than ever before and walk away with a blessing that you never knew existed. Come on down its a wonderful expierence.
Mike Lenigan Dover, DE (Sent Aug 21, 2007 2:02:27 PM)
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