Date: Mon, Nov. 19th, 2007
Subject: Biloxi Diocese Recovery Office Reopens
After a month of reorganization, the Diocesan
Office of Long Term Recovery has reopened with Kelly
Deschamps as the new director. The Biloxi Diocese opened
the recovery office after Hurricane Katrina, concentrating
on South Mississippi's immediate post-Katrina needs. With
reorganization, the work will center on houses.
"We have 20 homes ready to start construction," Deschamps said,
"and we'll be unveiling the first rebuilt home within weeks.
We have volunteers coming from all over the nation."
Deschamps, 26 and with a background in marketing-public relations,
moved to the Coast more than a month ago with her husband, Sea
Wolves defenseman Matt Deschamps.
"I have disaster experience from 9/11 and it's a different kind
of disaster but tragedy has the same effects," she said. "I have
a lot of respect and compassion for the Gulf Coast community for
what the people have been through and their resilience. DOLTR is
about creating hope and homes in the community."
http://www.sunherald.com/201/story/191043.html
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If you would like to volunteer in the Biloxi region, please
contact our Biloxi diocese:
Deanne Misko, volunteer coordinator: (office) 228-897-2280
or (cell) 228-234-3901
Wayne Hardy, crew leader: (office) 228-222-1626
or (cell) 228-234-9903
Diocese is now able to accept both short-term and long-term
volunteers. They would still appreciate having folks who can
come for longer periods of time such as one/two weeks. Though
not limited to manual labor, manual labor will often be the
primary work of volunteers.
Volunteers:
Must have own transportation (For those who stay overnight,
the only housing available is 25 miles from work site)
Must have tetanus shot
Must be able to do manual labor
Must notify Diocese before coming so can be put on Team and can
be assured of housing. (There are very few available rooms any
place in area. The Retreat House can accommodate 75 people at a
given time.)
Volunteer Housing: Dedeaux Retreat Center in Pass Christian
Dormitory bunk beds
Breakfast and dinner available free of charge (donations are
welcome. Large groups will need to make donation)
Men and Women have separate accommodations
Volunteers must provide own lunch
Washer/dryer available
Tools/masks/gloves are provided; however, it is helpful if worker(s)
can bring own tools. Since masks and gloves are often in short
supply on the coast, it would also be helpful if volunteers could
supply these as well.
DONATIONS OF NON-PERISHABLE GOODS:
We can accept non-perishable goods only: water, toilet paper,
toiletries, paper towels, cloth towels and wash cloths, baby food,
packaged underwear and packaged socks, non-perishable foods, etc.
WE CANNOT ACCEPT UNDERGARMENTS.