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News and Stories
VOLUNTEERS REPAIRED HOMES AND RESTORED HOPE
Catholic Construction Corps of the Diocese of Joliet National Disaster Relief Program Katrina Recovery Mission trip to BEFORE WE WENT We learned about this mission with the Catholic Construction Corps at the Peace and Justice committee meeting at Mary Queen of Heaven Parish, Elmhurst, IL on Nov. 10, 2005. More information was available at the St. Charles Center in Romeoville on Nov. 17. Vern Witte provided handouts and an overview of the needs of the victims of Katrina. The volunteers included Sue Butler, Bob Duda, Rosalie and Milt Honel, Jinny and Dick Lamermayer, John Lyons, Lorna Miressi, Linda Rybski, Greig Siedor, Mary Alice Steck, Bob Wilson, Joe Winblad. A variety of thoughts went through the minds of the volunteers... so much to do to get ready, check with doctors immunizations, able to do the tasks assigned to me, need to pray for safe passage to Alabama, etc. By early January some of the volunteers decided to depart on Saturday, Jan. 7, stay at a motel and finish the trip on Sunday; while others departed very early on Sunday morning, January 8. All arrived safely by dinner time on Sunday evening at the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) site in Bayou La Batre, located on the Gulf coast some 30 miles southwest of Mobile, AL. MDS is a faith-based agency that responds to disasters by providing volunteer labor for cleanup, repair and reconstruction of homes. MDS places special emphasis on helping low-income families, single parents, the elderly and the disabled. VOLUNTEERS REPAIRED HOMES AND RESTORED HOPE Our diocese provided 13 of the total group of 43 volunteers, while MDS provided the housing and meals for the volunteers. Bob Weichman, director of the MDS site, welcomed staff and volunteers. He charged us with the responsibility of befriending the homeowners with whom we might have contact. He put it more bluntly, “building relationships is as important as the work to be done.” While the houses and other structures along the waterfront were heavily damaged, the homes in the little town of Bayou La Batre and in the surrounding area (away from the coast) suffered mainly rain and wind damage. Homeowners who couldn’t afford insurance coverage or lacked resources due to poverty had been required to apply for assistance. The volunteers were divided according to their construction skills and assigned to one of six crews of varying sizes depending on the task to be tackled. Volunteers stripped roofs and laid down new shingles, they repaired minor structural damage to homes, replaced damaged drywall, and installed new or repaired damaged windows. The typical day was scheduled as follows: Up at 6 o’clock, pack own lunch at 6:30, breakfast at 7, gather tools and equipment and depart for work site via MDS trucks by 8:15, arrive at work site at about 8:45, break at 10, lunch at 12 noon, afternoon break at 2, terminate workday at 4:30. Back at MDS by 5 in time to shower and relax before dinner at 6. While this was the schedule, crew chiefs and various circumstances modified the schedule as needed. Devotions were held every morning after breakfast. Grace was said before breakfast and dinner. Volunteers were solicited to help with kitchen/dining room clean-up in the evening. It would be a serious oversight if we failed to compliment the cooks who prepared delicious, wholesome meals. After dinner, Bob invited a member of each crew to report on the work day. These reports reflected the pride and accomplishments of each crew. The friendly rivalry between the crews generated much humor and laughter. It was obvious that members of each crew enjoyed the camaraderie and fellowship of working together.
AFTER WE RETURNED HOME We were tired, but happy to be home again. Most of all, we were and are thankful for the opportunity to reach out to these people in their need. Also, we were amazed at all the people who were involved in this project and the love, cooperation, and dedication of all of the volunteers who came from various parts of Canada and the U.S. They represented various faith traditions: Catholic, Baptist, Lutheran, Mennonite, Presbyterian. Our gratitude extends to our Diocese of Joliet and to Bishop Imesch for providing these outreach opportunities. Adios and Shalom, Rosalie and Milt Honel For information on upcoming disaster missions and how you can serve, click here.
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