On August 29, 2005, one of the most devastating hurricanes ever to strike the US made landfall over the Louisiana/ Mississippi line. Cities in its path were hit with 120 mph sustained winds and a tidal surge that reached almost 30 feet in Biloxi. Along the Miss. Gulf Coast, the storm left 238 people dead, 67 missing and billions of dollars in damage. Over two years after the storm, many homes and businesses remain damaged and in need of repair as the people who lived and worked there struggle to survive. While the rubble has been removed, many house lots contain only a cement pad or a set of brick steps, their presence a silent testimony to the home that once stood there. Other lots contain a small trailer where families have lived since the storm.  About 90% of the repairs and rebuilding of homes is done through volunteers.

 

 

In January, two of our members visited Biloxi and joined hundreds of volunteers in a week long work effort. Our task was to paint the inside of outside of a home that was underwater during the height of the storm. Another group had made repairs, and now it needed the paint.  We were joined by four other volunteers.

 

 

  

Many of the volunteers stay at Bethel Lutheran Church, which provide sleeping in their classrooms (and sanctuary!) as well as breakfast and dinner for all the volunteers in their kitchen and fellowship room. The volunteers clean up the sanctuary for Sunday morning services, but the building is used for volunteer efforts the rest of the week.

 

 

 

Lunch is provided in a converted stadium by the Salvation Army. This stadium also provides housing for Americorps Volunteers. Like most buildings in Biloxi, this stadium was also underwater. The high water mark is displayed in the lunch area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The completion of a house is a time of great joy. While we were there, this home was rededicated and the owner moved back in. The trailer that was his temporary home is seen to the left of the house. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The people we met in Biloxi were filled with gratitude. The have been through a lot, but they are so appreciative of the volunteer efforts. The cake on the table at the dedication picnic (provided by the home owner!) tells it all:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In April, six more members will make a trip to Biloxi to work on the rebuilding effort. Sadly, it is estimated that at the current pace rebuilding will be needed for 5-8 years!