Southwest MS Recovery Network

Following the onslaught of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, FEMA received more than 35,000 registrations from residents of Pike, Amite, Walthall, Lawrence and Lincoln counties, who had damage to their residences or completely lost their homes. Although some of the residences are still uninhabitable, due to mold and structural damage, many are occupied due to the shortage of available housing in these counties.

The Organization

Southwest Mississippi Recovery Network is a non-profit organization which focuses on rebuilding the homes and lives of Katrina survivors. This is not accomplished by providing financial aid, but rather offering services and resources. These could include repairs to homes damaged by Katrina or simply a gentle push in the direction of regaining mental health. All at no cost to the survivor.

The Purpose

Meeting with church representatives, community, charitable organizations, FEMA and Church World Service, the Network was formed to

identify, coordinate and facilitate the recovery of survivors of disasters in the five county area of Amite, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, and Walthall.

Working with federal, state, and local emergency management agencies, national, state and local faith-based organizations, churches, voluntary and charitable organizations, area business and civic groups, SMRN has the following objectives:

Identify the needs of the disaster survivors

Guide and assist their individual steps in achieving recovery

Seek assistance for their recovery through donated materials, labor and volunteer support

Seek and organize volunteers and professional/skilled labor to assist in rebuilding

Insure financial accountability of all funds channeled through the Long Term Recovery Organization for the purpose of individual recovery

Organize and warehouse materials and supplies to rebuild damaged homes

Assist in identifying the needs of survivors who have temporarily or permanently relocated in the area

Identify those who suffer humanitarian, emotional and psychological damage as a result of the disaster, seeking to direct them to or facilitate support for their personal and family recovery.

Volunteers

We can't do this without you--our heroes, our volunteers. If you can drive a nail, sweep, pick up debris, or fill out a form you can help put a family back in their home. If you can listen with an attentive ear your can help someone regain their faith and begin the healing process.

Definition of Hurricane Katrina Survivor

Any person affected by the catastrophic events which occurred on or after August 29, 2005. They represent all ethnic, cultural, social, and belief groups. These include evacuees from Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as local residents of Amite, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike and Walthall counties.

Definition of a Hurricane Hero

Any person who gives of themselves to aid, comfort and give hope to another person affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Volunteers who can help rebuild a home, businesses that will donate materials, counselors and clergy who will give their time and talents to help people following a traumatic event--everyday men and women who will listen and lend a hand to help a disaster survivor becomes whole again--these are our heroes. Will you help?

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SERVES: Pike, Amite, Lincoln, Lawrence and Walthall Counties in MS

Speciality: Rebuilding Katrina damaged homes

Description of volunteer needs: Unskilled and skilled labor: Roofers,
Plumbers, Electricians, Drywall; Trash Temoval; Debris cleanup

Skills volunteers are required to: Want to make a difference

Useful Skills: Trade skills; Trailer Repair

Rural/Farm related volunteers needed: Possible, please call for
specifics

Tools or supplies volunteers should bring: Personal linens; work
gloves, hard-toes shoes; masks for mold removal; personal hand tools, if possible

Will volunteers need to bring any money or material, such as for
housing: None

Length of time volunteer can help: No minimum

Size of volunteer team: Up to 22

Are individual volunteers welcome? Yes

Age restriction, if any: Under 18 needs adult supervision

Denomination/affiliation, if any: We are a network of many

If yes, must volunteer be a member: No

Any other restrictions: Tetanus shot recommended

Housing provided for volunteers, if any: We have a house for our
volunteer teams which sleeps and feeds up to 22 comfortably.

Meals provided for volunteers, if any: The house has a complete
kitchen; food can be provided, if needed.

Any additional notes: Currently we have over 700 needs assessment
cases, 95% are construction related. In our 5 counties, we have over
35,000 FEMA registrations. Counseling and referrals offered.

Approximate date the project started: Mar-08-2006
Estimated date the project will end: Mar-08-2008