Frequently Asked Questions – Mission Team Katrina
9-13-06
Q1. What is the purpose of this mission team initiative?
A1. To help rebuild the areas ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
Q2. I don’t understand. You mean that they haven’t rebuilt the area yet?
A2. That’s correct, they haven’t. Katrina ravaged a 90,000 square mile area. Approximately 30% of the population left or was relocated. Because most people’s insurance was cancelled, it is difficult for them to rebuild their lives. That is why outside help is so crucial. Sources predict at 7-10 year rebuilding period. Recovering from a disaster of this scope is similar to rebuilding of Europe and Japan after WWII. Churches and private groups are freer to help than are government agencies that are often burdened by complex restrictions.
Q3. What kind of work needs to be done?
A3. Projects include but are not limited to:
- Gutting flooded houses down to the stud walls (removing possessions, drywall, fixtures, flooring, etc.; getting the house ready for bleaching and mold removal.)
- Specialty work such as: dry walling, painting, roofing, inside finishing.
- Personal, face-to-face encouragement and ministry to homeowners and local survivors who may still be depressed and devastated by their loss.
- Supporting the local missionaries with money, time, and encouragement.
Q4. Well, maybe I am too old/young for this kind of work.
A4. NO. People as young as 12 and as old as late 70’s have come down to help. There are tasks for all ages. Even though much of the work is physical and dirty and you need to be in reasonably good health, no one is pressured to work beyond his or her abilities. You take frequent breaks and drink lots of water!
Q5. Where are the job sites located?
A5. The sites of the work are in the area of the 9th Ward and St. Bernard’s Parish, east of the city of New Orleans. The 9th Ward, a very poor area populated mostly by African-Americans, was virtually eliminated by water rushing in from the levy adjacent to the area. St. Bernard Parish consists of middle and upper-middle class homes that were completely under water for several days. Local missionaries are working to identify homes that can be renovated so that neighborhoods can repopulate. Work is also being done on community centers, such as the Central Missionary Baptist Church in the 9th Ward, in order to restore a sense of neighborhood and community spirit. You could be working in any of these places.
Q6. Just exactly what would I be doing?
A6. It depends on the team and on the needs during the time you are there. It is important to remain flexible regarding where you will be working and what you will do. You will probably be doing physical work. You will probably get very dirty. (See A3, above.)
Q7. How long does it take to get there?
A7. By car or van, the area is about 13 hours from Indianapolis. New Orleans is on Central Time so you will actually gain an hour.
Q8. How much will it cost me?
A8. The main cost will be for your transportation to and from Louisiana. Once you get there, you will stay in dormitories and fed on site. There is a free will donation for your room and board, so no one needs to feel that they cannot afford to go. We suggest that you donate 20-25 dollars a day, but that is entirely up to you. You will not be billed by anyone for your stay. You will have to use your own vehicle to drive from the dormitory to the work site, so that will involve gas money while in Louisiana. You will need spending money for your trip down and back and for sight seeing.
Q9. What are the dormitories like?
A9. The facilities for housing work teams are in part of a shopping center. There are separate sleeping and bathroom areas for men and women, a kitchen, and common meeting room. Beds are triple full-sized twin bunks. You will have to bring your own bed linens and towels. You can shower and wash clothes. Teams members may be asked to help with kitchen duties and upkeep during their stay. The dormitories can sleep up to 60 people. You may be bunking with people from other teams.
Q10. What about food?
A10. You will be provided for. You will be fed and watered either by members of a local church or by other means at both the dorm and on the job site. You should remain flexible about the type and quantities of food available.
Q11. What is a typical workday like?
A11. It depends on your team and the project needs during the time you are there. Church teams start the day with devotions, then breakfast. They travel to the worksite and work until lunch. Many times they work until 4-5pm. Back at the dorm, they get cleaned up, eat dinner, talk about the day, have devotions or spend any free time relaxing before lights out. You will value your sleep time after this kind of workday.
Q12. Will we be able to go sight seeing?
A12. Again this depends on your team, the project managers, and how long you remain in the area. The local missionary will want you to see some of the other devastation and may provide time to do that. If your team is there for a week, you may want to take a half-day off in the middle of your stay to explore the French Quarter of New Orleans, have a meal, etc. This is something you will negotiate with the project and team leaders.
Q13. When is a good time to go there?
A13. Generally, anytime is good. However, the need is greater during the times of year when school is in session - September through May.
Q14. How can I be part of a team?
A14. You do not have to belong to a church to be part of a work team. Friends, neighbors and families can form work teams. Teams can be of any size. If you are interested in being part of a work team or creating one, call Jennifer Cochrane at 765-565-6625 (hm) or 317-696-0785 (cell).
Q15. How can I find out more?
A15. By calling the number above, you can schedule a presentation by the Walnut Ridge Mission Team, who will show their video, answer your questions, and help you get a team started.
