Mennonite Disaster Services - MDS, Pass Christian

from website 2/10/10

Disaster Description
Pass Christian is on Mississippi's coast and is one of the communities most devastated by Katrina. The 30-foot storm surge killed 22 people, destroyed nearly all business property, and damaged or destroyed 90 percent of the town's homes. Initially about 25 percent of Pass Christian's 6,500 residents remained.

Like virtually all of its residents, city leaders suffered immense personal loss. City Hall is now in a doublewide trailer. The library is in a small trailer. The storm set back the city 150 years, to its early days as a rustic resort area. But many new houses are springing up and the city is being rebuilt.

MDS Response
MDS purchased property in Pass Christian and set up a long-term project with three mobile homes and a storage shed. Together with the local recovery committee and readily available funds, MDS has completed 24 new builds, 15 major repairs and 42 minor repairs. Over the summer Pass Christian will be visited by youth groups from all over the US and Canada. MDS will continue it's work in Pass Christian this winter.

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THIS SITE IS FULL UNTIL May, 2008. Occasionally there are cancellations. If you would like to be called about volunteer needs on short-notice (1-3 weeks), please call Sarah Yoder at (800) 241-8111 in advance.

ALL denominations (or non affiliated) volunteer groups are welcome! There is no fee for volunteer accomodations and meals are included. Donations are appreciated ("but never asked for").

All short-term and US long-term volunteers call (800) 241-8111 . Canadian long-term volunteers call (866) 261-1274 .

Project Director: Peter Bunnet & Cletus Yoder
Tel: (228) 452-1114
Fax: (228) 452-1116
passchristian@mds.mennonite.net