Over 15,000 homes in our area were damaged by the storm
surge associated with Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. The Central Church of Christ has been involved in a hurricane
relief effort since that time. Due to the kindness and generosity of Christians all over
the world, we have been able to continue to offer relief to our community. We are focused on the 15 blocks surrounding our
church building, and especially those of low income and those who are elderly. We are doing our best to help people to be
able to get back into their homes.
Work crews continue to come in order to help us get
back on our feet. We have been blessed to meet some of the most dedicated people in the USA through this effort. Contact us
if you would like to bring a work crew to town. We need...
SKILLED LABOR: electricians, plumbers, carpenters,
sheetrock finishers, etc.
UNSKILLED LABOR: clothing distribution, reception
area, warehouse workers, kitchen help, cleaning of the church building, case workers, counselors, hispanic / spanish speaking
workers, debris removal, yard work, etc. There is something for everyone to do if you are willing to work.
Supplies will be needed on an ongoing basis. We believe
this is a two-year effort at the very least. FEMA plans to be here for ten years. We will continue to offer food and personal
hygiene supplies to those in need. We also attempt to help those who are moving into FEMA campers with necessary items such
as sheets, blankets, towels, utensils, cookware, an electric heater, as we have the supplies to give them. Sheetrock
and supplies (mud, tape, etc.) will be needed for quite some time. We have some workers coming in within the next month
who can use these materials. These are crucial to getting people back into their homes. All donations of these supplies are
greatly appreciated!
NOTE TO RELIEF WORKERS: If you took pictures, we would love to have a CD
with your pictures of the relief effort. Also, if you would like to write a letter about your experience here, we would like
to put it on this website. Thanks!
ANSWERS TO THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
*We do offer housing for hurricane relief workers.
*We feed hurricane relief workers three meals a day.
*You may contribute money to our relief fund, or grocery fund, if you choose.
That is not necessary if you are volunteering your time.
*We can never promise you what kind of work you will do when you get here, but
there is always something to do.. Things evolve rapidly and each day is its own adventure! The key words for serving here
are energy, love, flexibility, and joy. Not everything we do is exciting, some things are rather dull. But everything we do
is needful, and that is the reason we do them.
*We thank you, but please, do not bring used clothing for distribution.
*You do not have to bring tools, unless you would just prefer to use your own.
*What we need to know in advance is: number in group, skills / abilities, arrival
and departure dates, special needs.
*Feel free to write / call with other questions!
