Well I'm back from my short week of work on the Coast.

My team was assigned a small frame house in Biloxi owned by an 82 year
old widow living on SS who went through the storm by herself and got
three foot of flood water in the house. Her story is typical of tens
of thousands of others. Had a standard HO policy but did not have
flood insurance. Insurance company paid off what they could on wind
damage (generous by her estimation) and FEMA gave her a grant that in
total was about half of what it would cost to get her house back to
normal. And a trailer to live in while house was being repaired.

Our crew got a work order from Catholic Charities and went in to check
continuity and voltage on her electrical distribution and once
verified and repaired where necessary, started to insulate, hang
drywall and put in duplex receptacles and switches. We just about
finished all the electrical and drywall before we left. Another crew
will come in next week and finish it up.

The only way these people can come back is with volunteer labor. Many
are getting enough insurance money and financial help to buy materials
but can't cover labor which is inflated immensely because of the
shortage.The good news is that the Dedeaux Retreat Center, north of
Pass Christian can sleep 75 and it is booked with volunteers for the
forseeable future. And there are other centers.

So if you have time and the inclination get with a group and go help.
You don't need skills but if you have them they will revere you as the
two full time superintendents are trying to work about 6 houses at a
time each. Our three teams had skills so they could leave us alone
and work with the the college kids on spring break that generally are
enthusiastic but clueless. From now to Easter they have a hundred
spring break college kids coming in.


You will get days of hard work, stay in a bunk bed in a dorm, be fed
good but plain food, have the opportunity to bitch about the
conditions with the group you go with and meet people who have been
through a hell you can only imagine and have retained their dignity,
humor and gracious manners. Yes it was worth it.

Pics of our project below. Home owner in green sweat shirt in group
shot. Rest is the very motely crew.

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