Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS), Cameron (Reopening 1/09)

This is the MDS Update for February 11, 2010

Disaster: 2008 Hurricane Ike

The family for our fourth house could not hide their excitement as they saw the frame of their house take shape on their concrete piers. In addition to the physical changes on the houses, volunteers hoped their week of service provided some confirmation to the people of Cameron that God and God's people care about them.

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Project Start Date: November 2006/ Re-open November, 2009
Volunteer Status:
Volunteers to Date: 717
Jobs Started: 37
Jobs Completed: 33
Project End Date:

Disaster Description
Cameron Parish, in the southwest corner of Louisiana next to Texas , was known as a beach and fishing destination before it was devastated by Hurricane Rita in September 2005. Over four years after Rita hit there are still many vacant lots and many residents have not returned to the area.

Update September 2008: Hurricane Ike caused widespread damage to Cameron. Some reports are that damage from Ike is as bad as or worse than damage from Rita.

MDS Response
MDS set up a project site on a vacant property east of the town of Cameron. With God's help over the last four years volunteers completed numerous repair jobs and nine new homes in partnership with Faith Share, an ecumenical group that is working as the Long Term Recovery Committee. Many willing volunteers worked hard to help restore hope to Cameron and it's surrounding communities. MDS is preparing to return to Cameron this winter.

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9/08 Update: Hurricane Ike caused widespread damage in Cameron. Some reports are that damage from Ike is as bad or worse than damage from Rita. MDS personnel are currently assessing damage for response this winter.

Project is currently closed and will reopen January 2009.

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Cameron Parish, in the southwest corner of Louisiana next to Texas , was known as a beach and fishing destination before it was devastated by Hurricane Rita in September 2005. Two years after Rita hit, the community is still in the recovery process, with many still living in FEMA trailers.

MDS has started repairing and rebuilding homes in partnership with Faith Share, an ecumenical group that is working as the Long Term Recovery Committee.

MDS provides week long volunteer opportunities with free accomodations (donation appreciated "but never asked for") & meals. ALL denominations (or non affiliated) volunteer groups are welcome!

Volunteer Status: THIS SITE IF FULL THROUGH April 2008 (Please call for cancellation spots through 4/08)

For Volunteer Coordination please contact:

Sarah Yoder - 717-859-2210 or 800-241-8111
ALL denominations and unaffiliated individuals/groups are welcome to come volunteer.