Building Goodness Foundation (Pearlington, MS Shelter/Community Ctr. Project)

(3/7/07): Michelle spoke with Pat Bean - Will be starting
Community Center in May

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You will be a member of a team of individuals who are
volunteering to invest a part of themselves and their
precious time to help other people. BGF projects combine
the skills of craftspeople with the energy and enthusiasm
of dedicated vounteers and the local community.

Pearlington, Mississippi:
"As each shelter goes up, so do the spirits of the people
in Pearlington. The Building Goodness Foundation left so
much more in this community than just buildings."

The small town of Pearlington, Mississippi was virtually
washed away in the 28-foot surge that hit as Hurricane
Katrina passed through on August 29th, 2005. While most
residents were evacuated before the storm, nearly all of
the town's structures were destroyed by the hurricane,
leaving a wake of mud, mould, and tangled debris.

Pearlington citizens have returned home to debris-littered
lots where their homes once stood. Months after the hurricane
ravaged their town, most families found themselves living in
8' x 30' FEMA trailers with no place to store their belongings,
leading some to call their beloved town "the forgotten city."

Pearlington may be lost but it is not forgotten. During the
first stage of reconstruction, BGF volunteers have been
building 12' x 16' shelters that families can use for
additional living space or storage. Once all the shelters
have been built, the second stage of constructing a community
center will begin.

Each BGF team travels to Pearlington for a week of work. Be
prepared for long hours under trying conditions. Also keep in
mind that the citizens of Pearlington have lost everything
they have. In the end, your kindness, patience, and empathy
are just as important as the skills and craftmanship that you
bring to this project. Your work to provide shelter will make
a world of difference to the people of Pearlington.

Accomodations: BGF volunteers should be prepared to camp while
working in Pearlington. There are 2 eight-person bunkhouses
with mattresses at the camp site.

Meals: Meals will be provided by local churches and other
volunteer groups. There are cooking facilities and a mess tent
at the camp site. Clean drinking water is readily available.

To complete a volunteer registry form, please visit:

http://www.buildinggoodness.org/volunteerRequest.php

To review both Phase I & Phase II of the Pearlington Project
please visit:

http://www.buildinggoodness.org/pearlingtonSummary.pdf