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Plans for Future for Katrina Relief Teams
Many who have traveled to Mississippi during the past year continue to champion the cause of helping the many victims of the Katrina and Rita hurricanes. These persistent individuals along with others who have heard the stories and recognize the need to help are planning another trip to Pearlington, Mississippi to rebuild and build anew homes in mid December 2006.
Gail and Denvy Saxowsky, who have served as leaders of several teams working in Mississippi, are spearheading efforts through Christ's Church in Monmouth, Oregon, to return to Mississippi, this time to the Pearlington area, to continue the reconstruction process. The Saxowskys have been leading mission teams through their church annually for about ten years, including destinations like Alaska, Mexico and Ukraine as well of local programs and this past year, Mississippi.
This trip will leave Portland very early Saturday morning, December 9, arriving in New Orleans Saturday evening around 5:00 PM. Past experience tells us that airline tickets sell out quickly at the lowest prices and the team members may have to fly with several different airlines at different times and at higher costs. We encourage early commitments to secure the best prices and the best schedule.
Luggage is limited to two bags per persons not weighing more than 50 pounds each. A good common sense rule is to plan one bag for yourself and one bag for the use of the team which will contain sleeping bags, tools and other items that we may donate while in Mississippi. Do not over pack. This is not a cruise. We're working and we're all in it together. Even clothes for church should be casual and double for working.
 We will be staying in the Pearlington PDA camp. The camp provides the volunteers with hut-like shelters and cots. Each member of the team will provide their own warm sleeping bag and pillow. The huts are heated but can range from very warm to very cool. There may be frost in the morning and rain can certainly be expected. Meals will be provided by the camp. Showers are limited but available at the camp.
Work will be assigned by the camp manager at the Pearlington PDA camp and will probably consist mostly of reconstruction including painting, sheetrocking, preparation for sheetrocking with possibly some plumbing and electrical work, roofing (typically single-story gentle-sloped roofs) and some cleanup. Some crews may also do some basic framing of new houses. Most tools are provided by the camp, although if you're a handyman or have a trade speciality, you may wish to bring some of your own tools. Our camp manager will be Becca Weaver.
Last year the weather in mid December included some rain and frost but typically the days were mild and sunny. Plan to dress with layers. Good solid work shoes are imperative. Tennis shoes are not recommended for the work sites although they may be more comfortable around camp. Long sleeves and pants are highly recommended, essentially required, for the work sites. Gloves are important to bring.
We have medical experience within the team and we monitor each member's health very carefully so that no one need suffer needlessly. Please plan your medications carefully and let the leaders know of any special concerns. Tetamus shots are imperative but other shots are optional.
Work team sizes will depend on the work assignment however we can expect teams to be about six or more persons. Transportation will primarily be rented 7-passenger mini-vans and will be driven by persons at least 25 years old.
Time will be set aside to drive around the area to view some of the devastation and visit with some of the local residents.
The cost of the trip is budgeted at $600 person as long as we can continue to find airline tickets around $340. This money will pay for meals at the camp ($20/day/person), ground transportation ($70 per person plus gas), incidentals and some money to be available to help locals as the team sees the needs.
If your heart is in supporting the victims of Katrina but cannot travel, financial support is always welcome and needed. Some persons who can work and give of their time don't have the finances and we scholarship worthy workers. You can support or give a scholarship. Money for supplies and materials in the disaster area is always needed and welcome. Teams and leaders have been very careful to use monies very prudently. Contact Denvy and Gail Saxowsky (denvygail@saxowsky.com) for details. Their phone number is 503-623-6377.
To assure the best possible prices on tickets, please contact us as soon as you can make a decision to participate. We ask that those decisions be made before November 3, 2006.
Every effort is made that each volunteer within their own scope will have a rewarding and fulfilling experience, both in their giving of themselves to those who need support so badly and in receiving the blessings of sharing from those who need our support so badly.
There are several things that you absolutely must expect to do on any trip of this type. You must be patient and flexible and patient and flexible.
For additional details and answers to your questions, contact Denvy and Gail Saxowsky (denvygail@saxowsky.com).
For additional information from various sources:
Stories about Volunteer Teams
About the PDA Volunteer Villages
Hillsboro Katrina Blog
UMCOR
How to Help in Mississippi - Methodist
Mississippi Conference/Disaster response Center - Methodist
Denvy and Gail Saxowsky - Team Leaders
503-623-6377
Last updated October 14, 2006
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