Respond to the Katrina Disaster

In 2007 we are again responding as a church family to the present situation in Mississippi. While much has been accomplished, there are still homes in ruin and many families living in temporary housing.

Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church is planning to host another mission to the Gulf Coast to support Katrina victims. According to our local contacts, the effort there has shifted from renovation to reconstruction. We are planning to adopt a family in Gulfport and rebuild their home which was completely destroyed in the hurricane. We would like to schedule two teams for sure and maybe a third team if we can secure enough volunteers.

Objective: To focus all of our church resources to build a new home for a needy family and possibly establish a long-term relationship with this family.

Situation: This family’s previous home was destroyed by heavy winds and rain damage. The house was condemned by authorities. The family is currently living in a FEMA trailer on their rural 5 acre parcel.

Family: Richard and Lisa Collins, Saucier, MS (20 minute drive north of Gulfport).
Richard is 42 years old and has a permanent disability from on-the-job injury. Lisa has a partial disability. Their daughter and grandchild, who are currently in Texas, would live in the new home with Richard & Lisa.

House Details: The final floor plans will be decided next week. The house will be one-story with +/- 1800 square feet, including 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. It will have standard stud construction on a concrete slab. The estimated cost for materials, fixtures and appliances is $50,000. The septic system may need to be replaced.

Funding:

Long-Term Recovery Program (LTRP) - $10,000 federal grant (maximum)
Salvation Army or Red Cross Grant - $10,000 (maximum)
Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church - $17,000
MS Presbytery - $13,000 (will cover remaining balance depending on grants)

Construction Phasing:

Phase 1 – Mennonite teams pour the slab, frame walls (inspection required), install roof, windows, doors & siding as time and weather permits. New septic system by a contractor (if necessary).
Phase 2 – Rock Prairie teams complete any remaining phase 1 work and rough-in electrical and plumbing (inspections required), insulate walls (batts) and ceiling (blow-in) and drywall. HVAC contracted out.
Phase 3 – By follow-on crews to include painting, interior doors, trim work, cabinets & counter-tops, fixtures and flooring.

Miscellaneous:

First new home in MS to use LTRP funding. Second new home to be built by MS Presbytery.
MS Presbytery to provide all power tools, materials and supplies.
Mennonite teams are in MS from January to April building new homes.

Decision Points:

Approval from Session to use all of our Katrina funds for this project.
Specific dates, number of people and names of participants.
Complete necessary registration forms, insurance, shot records, etc.

We will be going to Mississippi for Phase 2 in two and possibly three different teams:

Team 1: February 24-March 3
Team 2: March 3-10
Team 3: March 10-17 *
*Depending on volunteers available

If you would like to join the members of Rock Prairie in this worthy project, for one or more weeks of hard but satisfying work, contact the church office by email or telephone 608-752-1172 or fax 608-752-1420 for details and application forms or get the application formhere and the waiver here. The forms need to be completed and turned into the church by February 4th.

If you need a ride to Mississippi or you have space in your vehicle for one or more Katrina Missionaries, please go to the Rideshare Page and enter your information on the form. We will match up rides needed with rides available and contact you by email.

2006 Katrina Work Archive

In 2006 we responded to the Katrina disaster as a church family in four ways:

First, we had a drive to collect supplies for Samaritan’s Purse, the local effort being lead by the Milton Seventh Day Baptist Church. The supplies were packed into a semi provided by Stoughton Trailers and then hauled out to a Samaritan’s Purse marshaling point. From there they went to the needy people of the Katrina disaster.

Second, we formed work teams to travel to the Katrina devastated area under the auspices of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Samaritan's Purse to help hands-on with the cleanup and recovery. You didn't have to be a member of Rock Prairie to join a team. Email or call the church office at 608-752-1172 to volunteer.

Third, we studied the possibility of bringing two families into the area for the duration. One of our members had graciously offered housing for them. Generac was hiring, so there were jobs available in the area. We as a congregation could possibly have taken on the task of getting the families here and settled, and seen to other needs as they arose.

Fourth, long range, we will possibly partner with a congregation in the Katrina disaster area that needs help in rebuilding their church.

We care for the world and one another and invite you to join us in this program of Christian outreach!

Our Mission Statement: God calls us to faithfulness, fellowship, and service.