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Ten years ago: HFI Remembers Hurricane Katrina

Ten years ago on August 29, 2005, the worst natural disaster ever to strike the United States – Hurricane Katrina – made landfall along the Gulf coast of Mississippi and Louisiana. Katrina left in her wake at least 1,836 dead and 81.2 billion dollars in damage.

While Hope Force International [HFI] was only a two-year old organization at the time, HFI had the privilege of serving as a conduit to send hundreds of responders from across the U.S. into New Orleans, LA, Pearlington, MS and East Biloxi, MS – three of the hardest hit areas.  HFI was on the ground within days of landfall, and remained for 4 ½ years through the rebuild phase.  Here is a look back at some of those memories and personal stories…and how HFI is responding even today.

(The photos below were taken by our HFI responders in the early aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.)

Reflecting Back: Building Homes for Katrina Survivors

(Originally posted in 2008, written by HFI Reservist, Brenda Steffan)

Through HFI‟s “Project Rebuild” in East Biloxi, Mississippi, hundreds of volunteers from numerous groups donated thousands of man-hours serving those in need. Homes were rebuilt and lives restored as the organization partnered with The American Red Cross, Hands on America, Habitat for Humanity, The Salvation Army, Mennonite & Amish churches, and countless others. HFI also served in partnership with the East Biloxi Coordination Center under the leadership of Councilman Bill Stallworth.

Ruth Showers claims she isn’t much of a talker.

“I can’t express myself – like talking, cause I get all....” Just then Ruth starts to tear up. “See, it’s about to come up now!”

But they are happy tears. “It’s so good – all my life I have wanted me a home.”

Ruth may not like to talk much, but she is full of laughter. In fact, when Hope Force Project Rebuild Coordinator Craig Snow came by the house to ask Ruth how she would like to be in a new home in three or four days – she laughed. And laughed. Then she asked Craig what a “blitz build” was.

She soon found out.

About 70 volunteers descended on the Biloxi property in the spring of 2008, constructing Ruth’s home in a combined organization ‘blitz build’. A team of Amish ensured the frame of the house went up in record time, working side-by-side with shirtless men full of tattoos. Amish women in plain clothes wore tool belts and sang as they painted. Volunteers even added landscaping, all while Ruth sat in a chair in the shade, watching the circus of construction workers.

Click here to watch the amazing time-lapse video of Ruth's home being built! 

A new rocking chair now sits proudly on the porch, its bow still intact. Wind chimes tinkle in the gentle Gulf Coast breeze. It’s almost hard to imagine that a little over three years ago, Hurricane Katrina hit Biloxi’s coast, damaging Ruth’s house beyond repair.

“In a way, it was so sad, but in a way it was a blessing cause He brought us through it,” Ruth reflected. “And it’s such a blessing that he brought you all here on the coast to help us. It’s a blessin’. And I love ya’ll!”

HFI's Work Along the Gulf Coast Continues On!

This week, HFI staff member Craig Snow has returned to East Biloxi, invited by former East Biloxi Councilman, Bill Stallworth, for a week-long "blitz build" in tribute to Katrina’s 10th anniversary.  Sadly, there is still much to be done in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in this close-knit community, and Mr. Stallworth called upon his friend to be a part of this special week to help those still in need.  

Craig, along with his wife Beckie, will once again serve the people of East Biloxi – grateful to be of service to these people whom they have grown to love.

Former East Biloxi Councilman, Bill Stallworth

HFI Staff Member, Craig Snow, serving in East Biloxi on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

Craig Snow visits with homeowner, Gloria, whose home will be rebuilt.