Locals continue effort to rebuild south after Katrina

Date: 2/2/2010

Feb. 3, 2010.

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Hurricane Katrina reeked havoc and suffering upon those in the epicenter of the storm in 2005. Over four years later, Hancock County, Miss., is still battling the aftermath of the destruction.

Michael Poirier, director of Faithful Steward Ministries in West Springfield, joined a group of area volunteers to help rebuild lives in conjunction with Lakeshore Baptist Church in Lakeshore, Miss., last month.

"[Katrina] traumatically changed that area [of Mississippi]," Pastor Steven Graham of Pioneer Valley Baptist Church in Chicopee and volunteer, said. "In my lifetime, I don't think it will ever be the same. Most of the people are very depressed and they've had the highest rates of suicides in Mississippi. I had no idea myself how really horrible [the devastation] really was."

Poirier recalled, "My first impression was, 'Jeez things don't look so bad.' But once you look beyond [the overall landscape] you can see the devastation. You can still see what the impact was there. What I did see, I was surprised [there wasn't more repaired or rebuilt]."

He explained debris had been removed and roads were clear for traffic, however, upon arriving at base camp at Lakeshore Baptist Church he took notice of all the empty lots. Poirier noted the church had to be rebuilt after Katrina because all that remained was the steeple and part of the original pulpit.

"I was surprised to see how much was still destroyed," Robert Cameron, an electrician and volunteer, said. "There are people still living in pretty bad conditions."

He explained he worked half of his stay at a man's home, rewiring electricity and the other half working at base camp to build a volunteer bunkhouse and the Mercy House for clothing and food assistance.

Cameron noted volunteers are currently housed in canvas Quonset huts and sleep on military cots or bunk beds.

Poirier explained many who received government assistance and insurance settlements have enough to cover the cost of materials but not labor.

Graham explained he was charged with contacting those who visited the Mercy House to see if they needed further assistance.

"I got to hear their stories," Graham explained, adding that he offered comforting words and prayer for those he met.

Poirier noted volunteers do not have to be skilled laborers but must be hard workers who are willing to learn. Volunteers labored from approximately 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day.

To volunteer in Lakeshore or to make a monetary donation to rebuild Lakeshore, visit www.rebuildlakeshore.com. Food, clothing and other basic necessities are also needed and may be mailed to Lakeshore Baptist Church, P.O. Box 293, Lakeshore, MS 39558.