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Field Update: January 12, 2012

Dear Volunteers and Friends of PHC,

Even though it’s been 6 years since the devastation of Katrina, many affected residents are still in need of assistance.  Normality of life has returned for a large share of the population, while others continue to struggle with after effects of the damage done to their property, employment, families, as well as their physical and mental health.

Much good continues to be done on the Gulf Coast in terms of repair and rebuilding.  Because of the dedication and caring of PHC volunteers who come back year-after-year, we have been able to continue to offer a positive presence in the Mississippi coastal communities.  As long as volunteers are inspired to come, and our funds allow, it is our intention to keep our doors open so that this good work may continue.

Over 760 PHC volunteers came to Camp Hope in 2011  They worked on a wide variety of projects coordinated by local resident John Armstrong, Habitat for Humanity, and others that made a difference in the lives of many families.

As you know, PHC works to provide our volunteers with a safe, clean and uplifting environment where they can return from a long day’s work to a shower, a good meal, fellowship, some spiritual reflection and physical rest.  This could not be done without the dedication of our local volunteers, especially Glen & Karen Parker, but also the spiritual leadership of Fr. Peter Mockler, and support from the members of St. Ann Parish.  In addition, we are blessed throughout the year with individuals who volunteer a week, a month, or several months of their time to help in the maintenance and coordination of Camp Hope.  We have regulars such as Barry Wright (Canada), and Mark and Iverna Mercer (MI) who come during the winter months to do repairs and help get the camp ready.

This past summer, one inspiring young man felt a calling to give up a good share of his summer to assist Karen and Glen in the many responsibilities associated with running Camp Hope.  Here is an account of his experience….in his own words:

“Six years ago this week, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, drastically changing the lives of millions of people who were affected by the storm. I was getting ready for my sophomore year of high school, almost 1,500 miles away, and little did I know that this hurricane would change my life as well. My local church, St, Elizabeth’s of Hungary (Acton, MA), did annual mission trips in the summer, and that fall, we decided as a youth group that we would go to the Gulf Coast to help with hurricane relief, and ultimately ended up at Project Hope and Compassion at St. Ann’s in Lizana, MS. A small community just a few miles from the water, no one knew what to expect when we flew into New Orleans and saw the devastation of a storm that had hit more than nine months before. For the past five summers, I have traveled to Lizana and done a week of service with St. Elizabeth’s of Hungary of Acton, MA.” “The experiences I have had, the individuals I have encountered in the community, the stories I have heard, the laughs and tears both the visitors and locals have shared has impacted me in a way that I will never forget.

This past spring, when I was thinking about what I wanted to do this summer, of course, going down to Mississippi was one of the things that jumped into my mind. When things started to fall into place, I made a decision that I would see if it was possible to stay in Lizana for an extended period of time and help out Karen and Glen Parker at Project Hope. After speaking with Father Pete, I jumped on a flight right after the Fourth of July for a nice little five week trip to Lizana to help serve the volunteers who came down each week and the greater community itself.

My experience this past summer, the memories I take with me, and relationships I formed are things that cannot happen without a strong presence from God. The bonds made between the groups of volunteers and the people of Mississippi are full of God’s love and compassion. Each week, groups came down as separate individuals, with hopes and fears for the week, and at least a little baggage from home. By the end of the week, the individuals came together in a beautiful way to help build God’s community. 

I cannot talk about forming God’s community without talking about Karen and Glen Parker, two people who give up so much of their time for complete strangers so that they can serve God and their neighbors in Mississippi. Karen will be the first one to admit that she is not the calmest of people and will try to do ten different things at the same time, but Karen has a presence and a confidence when it comes to the Lord’s work. She truly believes and has faith that no matter how complicated or hard things may get week in and week out, tasks will be finished and problems will be solved because God is always with us.  Her faith and love of neighbor are something that truly inspire myself and all 11,000 + volunteers who have come down to Lizana over the past 6 years.

While Glen is not as visible as Karen, some might argue he has a larger impact on the group because he controls the food! Coming into the summer, Karen told me that I would be helping Glen out in the kitchen three hours a day with dinner. My first thought was three hours in the kitchen? Are you serious? I like to cook, but I barely cook for myself, let alone 150 volunteers. But from day one, Glen welcomed me into the kitchen like we had been doing this our whole lives. By the end of my time at Project Hope, those hours from 4-7 were some of my favorite hours during the day.  Glen embodies the true essence of service. He never asked for recognition, never complained about extra food he had to cook, only put a smile on his face and went about his business as he carried some ‘hot stuff’ out to the pavilion.

As time went by during my visit, I began to meet more and more of the parishioners of St. Ann’s, and they could not have been a nicer bunch. Even though most of them talked funny, and knew I was just a Yankee from the north, people like Miss Loretta, Eldridge, Kathy, Gil, Shorty, and Mr. Bill welcomed me into their community like I was their son coming home from a long trip.  They treated me like one of their own and I am extremely grateful for that.

When it comes to all the Sam’s Club and Walmart trips, the number of times I had to plunge toilets or mop floors, or the amount of butter I put on the cornbread, I will always look back fondly on the five weeks I spent in Lizana, MS. I will remember the groups arriving from the airport, ready to explore their faith and journey out into the surrounding community to serve those who are suffering. I will remember the dirty clothes and tired faces coming back from worksites, knowing that people worked hard in the hot sun so they could try to finish what they were working on. I will remember the laughs and smiles of all the kids and adults while they were hanging out in the pavilion. I will remember Karen’s voice yelling my name and countless satisfied stomachs after groups devoured red beans and rice or a good ole catfish fry. But most importantly, I will remember the great prayers, reflections, and faith experiences each group had.

Project Hope and Compassion is a place that offers groups from around the country the opportunity to come and do service on the Gulf Coast. And while God’s work is done throughout the week in places like Bay St. Louis and Biloxi on countless worksites, God’s work is also done every single night in the small church on Highway 53. The stories told, the realizations of the importance of faith, family, and friends comes together by the end of the week to form a unique relationship and bond between the kids and adults.
I want to thank Father Pete, Karen, and Glen for giving me the opportunity to help out this summer. I also want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who came down each week, with open hearts and minds to serve and be with those who are less fortunate. We are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of Christ and it was an honor to meet all of you.”

-Dave Kronin

Here’s a story from another volunteer who came to Camp Hope for a week in July:

“I first experienced PHC in November of 2005. I came with a group from my church to help with the clean-up after the storm. This summer was the first time I was back since then. I was at PHC from Saturday, July 23rd to 30th. I drove down from the Philadelphia area to help out at the camp for the week and go out to work sites as well. When I first arrived, it was like I never left. Karen welcomed me in with open arms and was introduced to the group that was there. Right away, I felt like I was a part of the group. I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I was so encouraged to see the enthusiasm from the kids. Throughout the week, I spent my time at work sites as well as helping out at the base with Glen and Karen Parker and Dave Cronin. It was so great to see the improvements from my last visit. There is still a lot to do of course, but great progress has been made. During this visit, I was involved with remodeling a house through Hope Community Development Agency and painting, lawn work at another house. I also did yard work and helped clean/re-organize a garage. It was so great to spend time with the folks of the community and listen to their stories. The kids were so great with their attitude of service; it was such a blessing to be a part of. I also spent time in the kitchen helping to prep and serve the dinners each night. I was so blessed to be a part of the week. It was amazing to see how God was working through everyone the entire week. I thank you for allowing me to come down and be a part of God's service to the Gulf Coast.” Karen Burkholder

Volunteer groups scheduled for 2012:

March 5 – 10                      Group of 10
March 17 – 25                    Group of 20
March 31 – April 6           Group of 50
June 24 -30                        Group of 50
July 8 – 14                          Group of 60
July 15 – 21                       Group of 126
July 22 – 30                       Group of 90

There's room & work projects for more...Is it time for you to come?

Have you been thinking it would be a great experience for you, you’re church, youth or civic group to take part in a life-changing experience, by giving a few days or a week of service on the Gulf  Coast of Mississippi?  If so, please contact Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation.   You may contact Terri at 228.861.8129 or by email at ttdata@att.net. 

(NOTICE TO PARENTS:  Due the nature of this ministry, and the close lodging quarters, no one under the age of 16 is permitted to come to Camp Hope unless accompanied by a parent, and with the pre-approval of the Director, Fr. Peter Mockler.)

Donations to PHC

In your generosity, please remember the on-going needs of Project Hope & Compassion.  All donations are gratefully received, and used for maintenance, general repair and the upkeep of PHC facilities.  It is by the generous support of our PHC family and friends that we are able to remain open to the volunteers who continue to come and serve.

Donations to Project Hope and Compassion may be made online at: http://www.projecthopeandcompassion.org/donate_page.htm, or by sending a check to: “Project Hope and Compassion” and mailed to:  23529 Hwy 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS. Your donations are income tax deductible.

  Project Hope and Compassion Information

Mission:  To bring compassionate Christian relief and hope directly to the victims of hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Current Goals:  (1) Provide facilities for volunteers who come to work along the Gulf coast that will accommodate their housing and meal needs; (2) Direct volunteers to organizations that have quality work projects for clean-up, demolition and reconstruction of coastal homes; (3) Assist in support of the facilities at St. Ann’s church and Camp Hope in order to insure their continued use for volunteers.

Who are we:  An ecumenical ministry of St. Ann’s Catholic Church working with Christians, churches and supporters from many denominations throughout the United States who share the mission and goals of the project.

Project Hope and Compassion is a ministry of:
St. Ann's Catholic Church, 23529 Highway 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503

Fr. Peter Mockler, Director;(228) 862-2560; stanncatholic@bellsouth.net
Karen Parker, Local Coordinator;  (228) 860-1533 or akaren@bellsouth.net
Terri Moore, Volunteer Scheduler; (228) 861-8129; ttdata@att.net
Richard Dunlap, Bookkeeper
Steve Hulst, Founder

Website: www.projecthopeandcompassion.org

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Field Update: July 17, 2011

From the Director of PHC…

 More local news…

Friday, Jun. 24, 2011 Gulport-Biloxi SunHerald

Models can determine hurricane damage, panel told

By LYDIA MULVANY - McClatchy Newspapers

WASHINGTON -- When hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma hit in 2005, all that was left of many homes along the Gulf Coast for miles were slabs of concrete. For homeowners, that was just the beginning of the problem.

Insurance claims on wind and water damage have caused headaches for people trying to rebuild their homes and communities. Private insurers cover wind damage, and a federal program, the National Flood insurance Program, covers water damage. With only slabs to go on, there was no way to determine what was blown and what was washed away. Homeowners sued insurance companies for wind damage that could have been caused by flooding. Insurance companies more often than not determined that storm surges were responsible for the destruction. Some lawsuits are still in court today.  Policy makers now think they can help stop the finger-pointing………

( http://www.sunherald.com/2011/06/23/3221860/models-can-determine-hurricane.html )

PHC Volunteers cut through the red tape and simply come to work….from the heart

Summer 2011 Volunteer Schedule: 

Available Work Projects

Here is a sampling of some of the kinds of work projects our PHC volunteers will be involved in this summer (This is made possible through our dedicated local volunteer, John Armstrong, who is in touch with coastal residents:

• Correct electrical problems, paint barn.
• Repair front door jamb, add landings at front & back doors.
• Home repair & painting.
• Install two studs to narrow framed opening, install & finish 6” strip of sheetrock
• Repair electrical outlets
• Repair rotten bathroom floor, install sheet flooring & carpet, repair interior doors
• Install insulation in walls & attic.
• Serve meals to homeless persons at feeding center, bus tables, clean up, stock pantry.
• Partially disassemble surplus wheelchair ramps from Delisle Elementary School and transport to sites needing ramps.
• Pick up two wood bunk bed sets and transport to family needing them and assemble them
• Complete installation of plumbing fixtures
• Repair broken water pipes, repair hole in roof.
• Replace rotten framing, repair siding.
• Paint wheelchair ramp.
• Install skirt around mobile home.
• Replace mobile home; shingle roof.
• Yard cleanup.
• Replace rotten framing at mobile home windows, repair window latches
• Repair leaking roof.
• Replace missing ceiling tiles & rotten paneling in living room
• Repair rotten siding, extensive yard work.

At the end of the day, volunteers come together to reflect and give thanks..

Here’s how Volunteers have described their experience with PHC:

I had a great time this week, and I wish it didn’t have to go by so fast.  I have formed many new relationships that I feel I am going to have for a while.  I loved the religious part of the trip, and the activities were extremely moving.   (RB – July 2010)

Once again it was another amazing trip for me personally and spiritually.  I love to see the young people grow through volunteering to help people they never met…to see them care and complement each other.  I met many new people to remember in my prayers.  Thank you!  (DK – Aug 2010)

It took away those materialistic habits that I got into, and my self-absorption.  Seeing others with just the necessities puts things into perspective and makes me thankful for all that I have.  This was my 3^rd year and it brought me closer to God than both of my other trips.  I learned the power of prayer. (Anna – August 2010)

This is my second year and I didn’t think it could surpass the first….but it did.  I loved the experience of being in community with some great kids and adults.  I felt called to serve in a different way, listening more to people’s stories, as well as working on their houses and other projects.  (KC – June 2010)

This is my 3^rd trip as a leader of teens.  Each year is both a personal and spiritual experience.  On a personal level, Mississippi gives me more than I can ever give the people of Gulfport.  On a spiritual level, I see the teens move from one level of faith maturity to a deeper more meaningful relationship with God.  (LW – June 2010)

I truly love the experience I get here.  It brought our entire group together and made me feel awesome about helping out people less fortunate.  Glenn is the BEST cook….love him…and Karen has more heart and drive than all of us combined.  Thank you for providing us with hospitality and warmth.  I’ll talk about this experience forever.  (AD – Aug 2010)

Camp Hope was an awesome place to stay while I was down here.  I came once before to do work (at another camp) and stayed in shacks, so having real walls and a ceiling, as well as nice restrooms was awesome.  Also, the food was excellent.  The people at Project Hope and Compassion were so friendly and made us all feel at home and appreciated.  It makes me glad that there is still a place like this for volunteers to come.  It amazes me how, after this many years since Katrina, there is still so much to do.  Thanks for making volunteer work possible.  (AW – March 2010)

Camp Hope was a wonderful experience.  I don’t know what I enjoyed more- the food, the organization, or the wonderful stories from Karen about Project Hope & Compassions beginnings.  This place operates like clockwork.  Karen and Glenn were so easy and fun to work with.  The whole experience of servicing God through helping people in need brought …. such joy and rejoicing, knowing I was doing God’s work.  I’ll never forget you and hope to be back again. (CH – June 2010)

I don’t wanna go home!  (JM ­– July 2010) 

Is it time for you to come?

Have you been thinking it would be a great experience for you, you’re church, youth or civic group to take part in a life-changing experience, by giving a few days or a week of service on the Gulf  Coast of Mississippi?  We have dates available for the fall/winter of 2011, and spring/summer 2012, so please contact Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation.   You may contact Terri at 228.861.8129 or by email at ttdata@att.net. 

(NOTICE TO PARENTS:  Due the nature of this ministry, and the close lodging quarters, no one under the age of 16 is permitted to come to Camp Hope unless accompanied by a parent, and with the pre-approval of the Director, Fr. Peter Mockler.)

News from Camp Hope

THE PHC TEAM TRAVELS TO BOSTON:  Invited by PHC volunteers in the Boston area, Glen, Karen and Ivy Parker, Steve & Jacque Hulst, and Dave & Mary Booth participated in a “Fish Fry” fundraising event in May to benefit young people traveling to Mississippi and other places of service over the summer of 2011.  It was a big success!

FINANCIAL DONATIONS FOR PHC 

In your generosity, please remember the on-going needs of Project Hope & Compassion.  All donations are gratefully received, and used for maintenance, general repair and the upkeep of PHC facilities.  It is by the generous support of our PHC family and friends that we are able to remain open to the volunteers who continue to come and serve.

Donations to Project Hope and Compassion may be made online at: http://www.projecthopeandcompassion.org/donate_page.htm, or by sending a check to: “Project Hope and Compassion” and mailed to:  23529 Hwy 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS. Your donations are income tax deductible.

VOLUNTEERS:  PLEASE SEND YOUR PICTURES AND STORIES!!  Others will be inspired if you tell us in words and show us in pictures what your volunteer experience with PHC was like.  Please send you information in care of: stevehulst@charter.net.

  Project Hope and Compassion Information

Mission:  To bring compassionate Christian relief and hope directly to the victims of hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Current Goals:  (1) Provide facilities for volunteers who come to work along the Gulf coast that will accommodate their housing and meal needs; (2) Direct volunteers to organizations that have quality work projects for clean-up, demolition and reconstruction of coastal homes; (3) Assist in support of the facilities at St. Ann’s church and Camp Hope in order to insure their continued use for volunteers.

Who are we:  An ecumenical ministry of St. Ann’s Catholic Church working with Christians, churches and supporters from many denominations throughout the United States who share the mission and goals of the project.

Project Hope and Compassion is a ministry of:

St. Ann's Catholic Church, 23529 Highway 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503

Fr. Peter Mockler, Director;(228) 862-2560; stanncatholic@bellsouth.net

Karen Parker, Local Coordinator;  (228) 860-1533 or akaren@bellsouth.net

Terri Moore, Volunteer Scheduler; (228) 861-8129; ttdata@att.net

Richard Dunlap, Bookkeeper

Steve Hulst, Founder

 Website: www.projecthopeandcompassion.org

How can I help Project Hope and Compassion?

HOW TO VOLUNTEER

If you, you’re church, youth or civic group would like to consider a life-changing experience by giving a few days or a week of service, please contact Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation. You may contact Terri at 228.861.8129 or by email at ttdata@bellsouth.net. Volunteers are needed for this coming fall and winter.

NOTICE TO PARENTS: Due the nature of this ministry, and the close lodging quarters, no one under the age of 16 is permitted to come to Camp Hope unless accompanied by a parent, and with the pre-approval of the Director, Fr. Peter Mockler.

If you can’t come yourself, consider sponsoring others to come for a week.  Either an individual, church or organization may wish to make a financial donation to someone you know who wants to make the trip to Mississippi to volunteer, but can’t afford it on their own.  Talk with your friends or community and see if you can create some interest.

Financial contributions are needed and welcomed, as they allow us to keep our doors open to volunteers.  Donations to Project Hope and Compassion may be made online at our Donation Page, or by sending a check to: “Project Hope and Compassion” and mailed to:  23529 Hwy 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503.  All gifts are tax-deductible.   Funds are used for the maintenance of Camp Hope and where possible, to purchase minimum repair and construction supplies for needy hurricane victims.

Also, help us make this newsletter even more informative by telling us what kind of news or information you’d like to see that’s isn’t being provided.  Please send your suggestions and ideas to us in care of: stevehulst@charter.net.

  Project Hope and Compassion Information

Mission:  To bring compassionate Christian relief and hope directly to the victims of hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Current Goals:  (1) Provide facilities for volunteers who come to work along the Gulf coast that will accommodate their housing and meal needs; (2) Direct volunteers to organizations that have quality work projects for clean-up, demolition and reconstruction of coastal homes; (3) Assist in support of the facilities at St. Ann’s church and Camp Hope in order to insure their continued use for volunteers.

Who are we:  An ecumenical ministry of St. Ann’s Catholic Church working with Christians, churches and supporters from many denominations throughout the United States who share the mission and goals of the project.

Project Hope and Compassion is a ministry of:

St. Ann's Catholic Church, 23529 Highway 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503

Fr. Peter Mockler, Director;(228) 862-2560; stanncatholic@bellsouth.net

Karen Parker, Local Coordinator;  (228) 860-5767 or akaren@bellsouth.net

Terri Moore, Volunteer Scheduler; (228) 861-8129; ttdata@att.net

Steve Hulst, Founder ; stevehulst@charter.net

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Field Update: January 1, 2011 From the Director of PHC… Dear volunteers, supporters and friends of Project Hope and Compassion, It is with deep gratitude to God, and to all of you, for making possible another very good year of service in 2010. It has been a lifeline to those along the Gulf coast still trying to put their lives back together after having them devastated by hurricane Katrina. An enormous amount of work has been done in 5 years, yet much hardship and suffering remains for those who have fallen through the cracks. With God's help and yours, we will continue to be here to provide a place, a "home away from home", for the many volunteers who come to serve Christ among the needy on the Mississippe Gulf Coast. May you and your family be blessed in 2011. In gratitude, Fr. Peter Mockler   In case you’ve been thinking: It’s been over 5 years since Katrina, so things on the Gulf Coast must be getting back to normal…..right? It’s not in the news anymore so if there was still a need, we’d be hearing about it. I’ve heard most relief organizations have pulled out so surely government aid agencies are now able to meet whatever needs Katrina storm victims may still have. If I come down as a volunteer, is there anything left for me to do? Is Camp Hope still open to house and feed volunteers? Read the following article and then decide... (Excerpts reprinted with permission from the August 6, 2010 edition of the Gulf Pine Catholic, Biloxi, MS)   BY TERRY DICKSON LIZANA – It has been five years since Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the recovery/rebuilding effort is ongoing, albeit outside the spotlight of the national media. However, volunteers from all over the country continue to pour into St. Ann Parish, which initiated Project Hope and Compassion shortly after Katrina, because they realize that time doesn’t necessarily heal all wounds and there is still much work to be done. “I’m still amazed. I’m in awe,” said Karen Parker, local coordinator for Project Hope and Compassion, as she thinks about the 10,000 plus volunteers who have passed through Camp Hope during the course of the past five years. “By this time next year, it’ll probably be well over 11,000. The volunteers love it. They come here to do service and the work’s there.” Roughly 130 volunteers from three parishes in Massachusetts – St. Matthew and St. Anne in Southborough and St. Mary in Holliston – spent the last week of August volunteering through Project Hope and Compassion. Many, like St. Mary parishioner Jimmy Rainsford have been to the coast numerous times. Rainsford’s first trip was in 2006 and the latest trip was his seventh. Rainsford vividly remembers that first trip when Katrina’s carnage was still fresh. “Coming from the airport, I remember getting off I-10 at Hwy 603 and there was a gas station right there and it was wrecked. It was kind of like the first thing I really saw and I was just really shocked,” he said. “I came back in 2007 and it was still like that and, in 2008, I was here for two weeks and it had been rebuilt. I actually went to that gas station last week.” Rainsford sees that gas station as just one symbol of the transformation that has taken place along the Mississippi Gulf Coast since his first visit. “It’s definitely a lot different now than it was,” he said. Rainsford said he keeps coming back to help with the rebuilding efforts because he doesn’t want the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast to feel abandoned. “It’s the one thing in my life that I feel is important and it does something to better not just myself but whoever. I mean, you never know,” he said. “I think Americans forget what happened down here and, hopefully, by coming down here, I can show the people of Mississippi that people still care.” During his latest trip, Rainsford worked on the unfinished home of a lady who is about to be evicted from her FEMA trailer. “Whenever the day comes to take it away, they’re taking it away whether her house is done or not,” he said. “It’s kind of selfish why I come down here. It’s just the feeling I get to be able to be part of helping somebody like that. It’s selfish.” This was Aly Fournier’s fourth trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. “When I came the first time, it was just a really touching experience for me,” said Fournier, who is a sophomore political science major at Emory University in Atlanta. “Even though the labor I did meant a lot to people, it was like just my presence here helped to instill hope in this badly damaged community. I really like the people and I like the community feeling I get when I come down here to help, so I’ve been coming back. I come down with my mom, my sister and, normally, one of my cousins. It’s a good bonding time for us too.” This was Joseph Catanzaro’s first volunteer trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The St. Mary parishioner spent the week working at a low income rental property for people who lost their homes during Katrina. Catanzaro, who is a turf manager for Boston College University athletics, said that, prior to coming to Mississippi with his 16 year-old daughter Kelsey, who had previously made the trip; he didn’t really have any idea of what he was getting into. “I’ve only seen the good,” he said. “We have sixteen vans with six kids in each van, so there are groups that have seen some worse areas,” Catanzaro said. “My daughter worked at a soup kitchen and she enjoys doing it, but she was devastated by how many people actually walk out of the woods that have no homes and she said they served about 525 people in one day. So, when I hear about that, there’s still a lot of work to be done here.” Gene Muller, also a parishioner at St. Mary in Holliston, has made three trips to Camp Hope and said each trip changed his life. Last year, he was in charge of a group of kids that built a wheelchair ramp for Thelma Abrams of Gulfport and, before the group left for Massachusetts, they promised Abrams they would be back to visit her. This year, they made good on that promise. “Seeing that she was benefiting from the work that my kids did really changed my life some more,” he said. “It makes it all worthwhile. She couldn’t wait to hug me and tell me how the experience has prompted her to go back to church on Sundays. I never thought that, in my life, somebody would tell me that something I did would make them start going back to church.” John Armstrong, a local volunteer who has been helping out at Project Hope and Compassion for three years, agrees with Catanzaro that there is still a lot of work to be done. “A lot of people that are in need now fell between the cracks during all of the major stuff,” said Armstrong, who, has worked with Habitat for Humanity for about 15 years. “With all the focus on gutting houses and rebuilding, there are still a lot of people who have little things left to finish up to make their place livable and those that weren’t directly affected by the hurricane who would have gotten help except for all of this Katrina relief.” “Some of the volunteers that are coming now are doing some of those things and they’re having every bit of a rewarding experience as they did when they were tearing out sheetrock and things like that four years ago. Armstrong, who is a Methodist, said Project Hope and Compassion has been an invaluable asset to the Mississippi Gulf Coast post-Katrina. “I tell (Karen Parker) every time I come out here that this is about the only thing close to its size that is still working here,” he said. “The Methodists still have two camps and they’re going to work till next April. Most of the others have gone out of business and folded up, so Project Hope is a real beacon.” And, according to St. Ann pastor Father Pete Mockler, who is also the director of Project Hope and Compassion, as long as a need exists and the volunteers are willing to come, Project Hope will continue to operate. “When I look back, I am moved by the generosity that has been poured out on our area by so many compassionate people who have been part of Project Hope and Compassion. We have had a good recovery and I feel privileged and blessed to have witnessed it,” he said. “It is so gratifying to see so many people still participate after five years. There is still much to be done. The impact of the BP oil spill on the Gulf coast environment and economy will now slow that recovery even more. We at PHC are resolved to stay with this effort for as long as is feasible. We will be willing to host volunteers for as long as they come to help.”            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Field Update: June 30, 2010 First, Katrina. Now, the BP oil spill. What’s next for the Gulf coast economy and the people who live there? From the Director of PHC… “We all live such busy lives, and its good sometimes to stop and reflect on where we have been. For the past five years we here in South Mississippi have been struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina. When I look back I am moved by the generosity that has been poured out on our area by so many compassionate people who have been part of Project Hope and Compassion. We have had a good recovery and I feel privileged and blessed to have witnessed it. It is so gratifying to see so many people still participate after five years. There is still much to be done. The impact of the BP oil spill on the Gulf coast environment and economy will now slow that recovery even more. We at PHC are resolved to stay with this effort for as long as is feasible. We will be willing to host volunteers for as long as they come to help. As we in the South are want to say, “ Y'ALL COME BACK." Your help is still needed. In gratitude, Fr. Peter Mockler Clean up and rebuilding projects continue….. Young people getting out of their comfort zone come to Camp Hope and learn the meaning of serving others… They learn how to eat, sleep and pray together in close quarters… How one group of young people spent their spring break….and made a difference for a local family. (Excerpts from an article appearing in the Gulf Pine Catholic, Biloxi, MS) Recently, 41 volunteers from Muskegon Catholic Central High School (Muskegon, Michigan), including 31 students and ten adults, spent a week with Project Hope and Compassion at Camp Hope (Lizana, MS), where they established their base of operations before fanning out into the nearby city of Long Beach to help the Alexander Family, a family of four who have been living in a sugar cane shack that was converted into cramped living quarters after Katrina rendered their home uninhabitable. “There are four people living in this little place right here,” Mark Hansen, one of the adult volunteers, said. “There’s no hot water and no shower facilities. They’ve been doing sponge baths since the storm. We converted a toilet area and now we’re putting in a shower enclosure and sink and we’re installing a hot water heater so they’ll have hot water for showers and for cooking. We’re trying to give them a decent place to live until they figure out whether they’re going to rebuild or bring in a mobile home.” Catholic Central Senior Bridgette Salisz, on her first trip to down, reflected, “Honestly, coming into Mississippi, I thought there was going to be more destruction than we’ve seen, but I was totally unprepared to see how bad things could still be for people,” she said. “It was really an eye opener to understand that, while things are kind of hidden on the outside, you have to look deeper to understand that people still need help.” “Our high school has been coming down every year since Katrina,” said Michael Tober, campus minister at Catholic Central High School. “I think most of the immediate Katrina stuff is done, but there are also a lot of people down here who just need help. There’s a lot of poverty in certain places, so this just kind of developed into us coming down during spring break and finding out who those people are and serving those who really need the help.” “Words cannot explain how we feel about it,” Ronda Alexander said. “It’s just such a blessing to us. I never knew that groups like this even existed. They were like angels that God sent to help us. I want them to know that we appreciate them so much. I feel like we’ve made friends for life.” ------------------------ If you, you’re church, youth or civic group would like to consider a life-changing experience by giving a few days or a week of service, please contact Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation. You may contact Terri at 228.861.8129 or by email at ttdata@att.net. Volunteers are needed for this coming fall and winter. What about you? NOTICE TO PARENTS: Due the nature of this ministry, and the close lodging quarters, no one under the age of 16 is permitted to come to Camp Hope unless accompanied by a parent, and with the pre-approval of the Director, Fr. Peter Mockler. Volunteer experiences continue to be positive… “Karen, Glenn and Sam worked hard to keep us fed and guide us with the chores we need to do. They are very patient and, while they must be tired beyond belief, they are always cheerful and positive. Thank you for hard work which makes our stay so enjoyable.” “This week (of volunteering) influences me to take the joy of giving back home. It never ceases to amaze me how great I feel after returning from Mississippi.” “Having the PHC camp to come home to (after working all day) is like a lighthouse in a storm. No matter what the day brought, I knew we would be cared for and safe. “ “I believe you have an outstanding facility to support mission trips. The hospitality by all members at St. Ann’s set the tone for our time spent in Mississippi. ” Camp Hope Comments, etc. A special thanks to our longer term volunteers in 2010: Mark and Iverna Mercer (3 months), Barry from Canada (2 months), Samantha Ormond (2 months) Also heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers and groups who continue to come year-after-year….you know who you are. What a blessing you have been!        ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Field Update: December 30, 2009 Almost 600 volunteers from the Catholic Diocese of Boston came to the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the hot month of July to donate their time and talents to the rebuilding effort… Over 450 other volunteers came from CA, FL, IL , IN, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, and WI…. “Volunteers have worked on projects such as: painting, building handicap ramps, building decks, sheet rocking, roofing, yard work, as well as working at the local soup kitchen and many other projects. The people of the Gulf Coast may have cleaned up from the original destruction of Hurricane Katrina, but the final work and restoration will continue for sometime to come. The people of the area are happy and relieved to see the youth and adults continue to come from all over the country. Seeing the volunteers come nearly four years after the storm is a beacon of hope for all the people that live along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Project Hope and Compassion will continue to allow volunteers into its facilities and provide for them as long as the groups continue to want to help the people of the Gulf Coast. The need will always be here and the only factor that will change that is the volunteers. We thank them greatly for their help over the past four years as well as any help they will continue to bring to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.” -Karen Parker What is the current situation and need for volunteers? Some residents who were forced to leave the Gulf Coast during Katrina continue to trickle back into the area. They, and those who never left, are in various stages of trying to rebuild or repair their homes. They face many challenges: a) Insurance settlements for just pennies on the dollar. b) Old mortgages still to pay off while needing new money to fix/rebuild. c) New zoning and building codes making construction more time consuming and expensive. d) A spike in property insurance rates to $5,000/yr or more. e) Loss of employment. Many are not able to overcome all these challenges and so fall thru the cracks unless helped by others who can find funding sources (grants, low interest loans). Locals John Armstrong and Skip Barrett, are among those who volunteer their time to assist many of these Gulf Coast homeowners by coordinating work projects for the many volunteer groups that come in. They put volunteers to work at home sites with jobs that fit their skill level, and know where some of the greatest needs are. Volunteers with construction and finishing skills (dry wall, painting, electrical, plumbing, flooring, etc.) are especially needed at several houses right now, but yard work and painting jobs are also available. If any of you are willing to come down during January and February 2010, there are important projects waiting for you. Please contact Terri Moore for more information (228.861.8129; ttdata@att.net) Volunteers tell us their experiences continue to be positive… “ For work projects we did yard work, painting a shed, hanging drywall and retrieved lumber from a FEMA park. The hospitality offered at St. Ann’s is unbelievable. PHC is a great program for our youth and society.” (Josh - St. Augustine, FL June 09) “This week (of volunteering) influences me to take the joy of giving back home. This is my 3rd year of coming and it never ceases to amaze me how great I feel after returning from Mississippi.” (Anonymous - Acton, MA July 09) “I believe you have an outstanding facility to support mission trips. The hospitality by all members at St. Ann’s set the tone for our time spent in Mississippi. We worked at Bob’s house in Long Beach painting the siding, installing hurricane anchors, and cleaning up. John Armstrong is an outstanding Christian man who helped make our work projects and mission a success.” (Martin - Mustang, OK June 09) “Having the PHC camp to come home to (after working all day) is like a lighthouse in a storm. No matter what the day brought, I knew we would be cared for and safe. You are an amazing group: caring, compassionate, friendly and fun!” (M.D.- Acton, MA July 09) “Karen, Glenn, Sam and Charles worked hard to keep us fed and guide us with the chores we need to do. They are very patient and, while they must be tired beyond belief, they are always cheerful and positive. Thank you for hard work which makes our stay so enjoyable.” (Anonymous – Wayland, MA July 09) Is it time you considered volunteering?  If you, your church or civic group would like to consider a life-changing experience by giving a few days or a week of service, please contact Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation. You may contact Terri at 228.861.8129 or by email at ttdata@att.net. NOTICE TO PARENTS: Due the nature of this ministry, and the close lodging quarters, no one under the age of 16 is permitted to come to Camp Hope unless accompanied by a parent, and with the pre-approval of the Director, Fr. Peter Mockler. From the Director of PHC…   “Its been fifty two months since Katrina visited our shores, destroyed our property and changed our lives .Thank God we have come to the end of another Hurricane season and we can continue to recover. Uppermost in our minds in this season of giving and thanksgiving are the wonderful people who have come to our aid over the past four years through Project Hope @ Compassion. PHC has played a significant role in the relief, recovery, and rebuilding effort post Katrina. We are so grateful to the thousands of volunteers who left what they were doing and put their lives on hold to come to our aid. We had no idea prior to Katrina how many Big Hearted people there were across the country who would touch our lives with healing and renew our Hope. Although Katrina recovery has moved off the newspapers, and many relief programs have shut down, we at PHC continue to be blessed with generous support and many volunteers, and we are resolved to continue our efforts until recovery is complete or we exhaust our resources.” - Fr. Peter Mockler   URGENT DONATIONS NEEDED FOR CAMP HOPE  1) Funds for maintenance, general repair and the upkeep of PHC facilities. It is only by your support that we are able to keep going. Thank you for your continued generosity. 2) Used vehicle for transporting volunteers, tools and camp supplies - $5,000.00 or donated vehicle in good condition. Donations to Project Hope and Compassion may be made online at: PHC Donate Page, or by sending a check to: “Project Hope and Compassion” and mailed to: 23529 Hwy 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS. Your donations are income tax deductible. Camp Hope News... PHC stained glass window installed in St. Ann’s church in thanksgiving to God for His blessings on this work and for the all the volunteers who have come. Special thanks to our longer term volunteers in 2009: Mark and Iverna Mercer (3 months), Samantha Ormond and Charles Gardner (2 months), and Ed Youness (1 month). Also heartfelt gratitude to the many volunteers and groups who continue to come year-after-year….you know who you are. What a blessing you have been! Volunteers: Please send your pictures and stories !! Others will be inspired if you tell us in words and show us in pictures what your volunteer experience with PHC was like. Please send you information in care of: stevehulst@charter.net.

Project Hope and Compassion - Field Update June 25, 2009   Thanks to dedicated volunteers who keep coming, slow but steady progress is being made on the Gulf… .              Steve        URGENT DONATIONS NEEDED FOR CAMP HOPE  1) New upright cooler for the Camp Hope kitchen (the old one gave out) - $5,000.00 2) New storage cooler for the pavilion (needed to store dairy and produce for the 100+ groups that are coming) - $3,000.00 3) Used vehicle for transporting volunteers and materials  - $5,000.00     (the old wagon donated in 2005 is on it’s last leg and costing too much to keep up) 4)      Push lawn mowers for work projects - $700.00 (See Karen Parker’s letter) These items are needed immediately to support the over 100 volunteers per week that will be coming to Camp Hope over the next 6 weeks.  Our thanks to any who would consider making a direct donation toward one of these items, or taking an item on as a fund raising project for your church or civic group.  For more information contact: Karen Parker (on-site coordinator for PHC); 228-860-5767; akaren@bellsouth.net.     From the Director of PHC…     “There is still plenty of work to be done on the coast and we are committed to continuing with the Project as long as volunteers keep coming and funds allow.  Many people are still in temporary housing. The rebuilding has continued and is now approaching fifty percent, though it is now being affected by the national recession.  Also, prohibitive pricing for insurance and government red tape are other factors slowing the rebuilding effort. Slowly but surely we are coming back. We have many new political leaders: Gulfport and Bay St Louis have new mayors and both Biloxi and New Orleans have new Catholic bishops. Hopefully these new leaders can inspire fatigued residents to push forward with hope and resolve.  And of course we ask for prayers that we may escape any harm this hurricane season. Our sincerest thanks to God for the many volunteers who keep coming!”    - Fr. Peter Mockler  List of 2009 Volunteers (so far) When How Many Organization City ST Jan-09 6 St. Robert's Parish Belmont CA Jan-09 30 St. Mary's Cathedral Lafayette IN Jan-09 20 University of Buffalo Buffalo NY Jan-09 15 Elon University Elon NC Feb-09 15 Noordelos Christian Reformed Church Zeeland MI Feb-09 11 University of Detriot Mercy Detroit MI Mar-09 7 North Carolina State Football Team Raleigh NC Mar-09 12 Loyola College Baltimore MD Mar-09 19 Aquinas College Grand Rapids MI Mar-09 20 Murray State University Murray KY Mar-09 25 Northwestern University Chicago IL Mar-09 18 Elon University Elon NC Mar-09 17 St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Petoskey MI Apr-09 31 Muskegon Catholic High School Muskegon MI May-09 10 St. Ambrose Catholic Church Troy NY Jun-09 10 St.Mary Cathedral Lafayette IN Jun-09 30 St. Anastasia Catholic Church St Augustine FL Jun-09 8 Most Holy Redeemer Parish Jacksonville FL Jun-09 30 Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church Flagler Beach FL Jun-09 20 Holy Spirit Catholic Church Mustang OK Jun-09 23 St. Augustine Catholic Church Elkridge MD Jun-09 35 Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church Millersville MD Jun-09 100 St. John's Catholic Church Hopkinton MA Jul-09 120 St. Elizabeth of Hungary parish Acton MA Jul-09 100 Diocese of Boston Boston MA Jul-09 122 St. Ann Parish Littleton MA Jul-09 150 St. Anne/St. Matt Youth Ministry Holliston MA Aug-09 15 East Tennessee University Johnson City TN Total 1019                 For most volunteers, the experience continues to be positive and often life-changing… “I could not be more pleased with our decision to stay at PHC.  We felt genuinely welcomed from the moment we walked in. I can speak for everyone when I say we had an amazing week of service work.  I can’t thank you enough for being our host and family for the week.” (Sarah, Elon, NC – Mar 09) “Our experience at other volunteer sites can’t compare to the friendly, clean and safe environment that you provide, not to mention the awesome food!  We will definitely recommend PHC to others interested in serving on the Gulf Coast.” ( Katelyn, Kent, OH – Mar 09) “The people here are so generous and welcoming.  I am hoping to come back to Bay St Louis in the summer with more friends.  I hope to see Camp Hope at St Ann’s filled with volunteers in the future because it’s the warmest place I’ve been to.”  (Julia, Potomac, MD – Mar 09) “I am proud to be part of an organization that has helped so many people, volunteers as well as victims.  The volunteers learn and gain so much from the people they are helping. The many stories I heard of the resilience of the local people has given me a new admiration for them. Hopefully, I’ll be back again with some more friends!” (Katie, Andover, MA – Mar 09)  “The little parish of St Ann’s, and the people associated with it, are truly an instrument of our Lord.  My week was filled with good fellowship, hard work and great food.  Thank you Karen for your kind words and unbelieveable hospitality.” (Bobby, Jacksonville, NC – Mar 09)  “We had a wonderful time here!  I only have positive things to say about PHC and will recommend it to others.  Bless your work!” (Anonymous, Northwestern University -Mar 09) “It was FUN !!!” (Kimberly, Edgewater Park, NJ – Nov 08) Even some big, strong, North Carolina State football players decided to use their Spring Break (and their muscle) to “get dirty” and lend a hand..  (Read their blog here:: http://myespn.go.com/blogs/acc/0-4-45/Spring-break-anything-but-for-NC-State-group.html))   Volunteer groups are still needed and appreciated.  Currently, we have no volunteers scheduled after the first week of August 2009.   PHC is committed to keeping Camp Hope open and available as long as volunteers keep coming and funding allow us to do so. If you, your church or civic group would like to consider a life-changing experience by giving a few days or a week of service, please contact Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation.   You may contact Terri at 228.861.8129 or by email at ttdata@att.net. NOTICE TO PARENTS:  Due the nature of this ministry, and the close lodging quarters, no one under the age of 16 is permitted to come to Camp Hope unless accompanied by a parent, and with the pre-approval of the Director, Fr. Peter Mockler. Local headlines highlight what is happening in the region…. Mississippi High Court hears wind vs water case http://www.sunherald.com/212/story/1405186.html Congress to approve funds for barrier islands/housing http://www.sunherald.com/212/story/1410031.html    Cottage nightmare http://www.sunherald.com/212/story/1405186.html US Government unveils plan to end trailer aid http://www.sunherald.com/212/story/1389838.html FEMA/HUD announce housing plan for Gulf Coast http://www.sunherald.com/212/story/1389320.html Judge asked to delay sales of FEMA trailers http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=10582559   Camp Hope News           Long term summer volunteers help out at Camp Hope We are grateful to have Charles Gardner (pictured above) of Westover Church, Greensboro, NC as a returning long term summer volunteer.  Charles was with us last summer and provided tremendous help to Karen and the in-coming volunteers.  Charles is joined this year by Samantha Ormond of St Isadore’s Catholic Church in Stowe, MA.  Samantha was a short term volunteer with one of the groups from the Catholic Diocese of Boston and has decided to dedicate several weeks of her summer to help us out with whatever needs to be done.  Thanks Charles and Samantha! How can I help Project Hope and Compassion? If you can’t come yourself, consider sponsoring others to come for a week.  Either an individual, church or organization may wish to make a financial donation to someone you know who wants to make the trip to Mississippi to volunteer, but can’t afford it on their own.  Talk with your friends or community and see if you can create some interest. Financial contributions are needed and welcomed, as they allow us to keep our doors open to volunteers.  Donations to Project Hope and Compassion may be made online at: http://www.projecthopeandcompassion.org/donate_page.htm, or by sending a check to: “Project Hope and Compassion” and mailed to:  23529 Hwy 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503.  All gifts are tax-deductible.   Funds are used for the maintenance of Camp Hope and where possible, to purchase minimum repair and construction supplies for needy hurricane victims. Volunteers:  Please send your pictures and stories !!  Others will only be inspired if you tell us in words and show us in pictures what your volunteer experience with PHC was like.  Please send you information in care of: stevehulst@charter.net.   Project Hope and Compassion Information Mission:  To bring compassionate Christian relief and hope directly to the victims of hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Current Goals:  (1) Provide facilities for volunteers who come to work along the Gulf coast that will accommodate their housing and meal needs; (2) Direct volunteers to organizations that have quality work projects for clean-up, demolition and reconstruction of coastal homes; (3) Assist in support of the facilities at St. Ann’s church and Camp Hope in order to insure their continued use for volunteers. Who are we:  An ecumenical ministry of St. Ann’s Catholic Church working with Christians, churches and supporters from many denominations throughout the United States who share the mission and goals of the project. Project Hope and Compassion is a ministry of: St. Ann's Catholic Church, 23529 Highway 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503 Fr. Peter Mockler, Director;(228) 862-2560; stanncatholic@bellsouth.net Karen Parker, Local Coordinator;  (228) 860-5767 or akaren@bellsouth.net Terri Moore, Volunteer Scheduler; (228) 861-8129; ttdata@att.net Richard Dunlap, Bookkeeper Steve Hulst, Founder Website: www.projecthopeandcompassion.org             Field Update:  December 31, 2008   Over 3 years since Katrina, the Gulf coast is only 25% rebuilt….             Local headlines tell the story…. Bay St Louis infrastructure replacement late 2010; $70M FEMA project (WLOX-TV)   Cottages will become a permanent part of Biloxi's landscape http://www.wlox.com/global/story.asp?s=9596282   New Wal Mart under construction for Pass Christian (WLOX-TV)    Katrina recovery project sparks excitement in Long Beach (WLOX-TV) http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=9597332   New grocery store for Waveland to open fall of 2009;  Only store (besides WalMart) ; 5 grocery stores in Waveland before Katrina (WLOX-TV)   Mold from Katrina resulting in on-going health problems (WLOX-TV)   Christian thrift store in Waveland provides quality goods at affordable prices; profits are used to buy building materials to help Katrina victims rebuild (WLOX-TV)     Viewpoint from the Director of PHC…    Fr. Peter Mockler “ As you drive around the coast there is lots of activity: roads being repaired and paved, water, sewage, and utilities being repaired. Almost all FEMA trailers have been picked up and many people moved to sturdier ‘ Mississippi cottages’, and many Habitat homes under construction all across the coast. Volunteers, although fewer in number, still come to help out and have made a HUGE difference. As for church properties, there are signs of some rebuilding.  Repairs have been made on several schools, churches and multi-purpose buildings, though many congregations are still meeting in make-shift facilities. No progress in Pass Christian….the shell of the former Catholic parish is becoming an eyesore. St Thomas in Long Beach still meets in the former skating rink but they are now close to issuing a contract for a new church, parish center, and rectory. Many groups from the coast have reached out to the victims of hurricane’s Ike and Gustav with money, supplies, and volunteer labor. Of course, we breathed a huge sigh of relief on Nov 30th to have ended another hurricane season without a major storm affecting us. We thank all the volunteers who sent us emails with their expressions of support and prayers.”   Volunteer groups coming to camp Hope are still much needed and appreciated.  PHC is committed to keeping Camp Hope open and available as long as volunteers keep coming and funding allow us to do so.     Gratefully, volunteers still come to help, though many more are needed. 800+ volunteers from all over the U.S. came to Camp Hope in 2008..         “This was one of the greatest trips of my life.  I had a ball meeting new friends and helping people in need.”  (Sean, Milton, MA)   “I am amazed at how well you are organized….such energy, such hospitality.  Thank you for providing the foundation to allow us and many other groups to help others in need.  We could not do it without you.”  (anonymous, Knoxville, TN)    “..smoothly run program, many new job opportunities; I felt very involved and at home at Camp Hope.” (Megan, Soughten, MA)   “..the most rewarding thing was seeing the smiles on all the people’s faces..”(Alex, Rochester, MN)   “Great people. Great Food. Great time!” (Doug, Wrentham, MA)             And the volunteers worked…...           Below are the volunteer numbers currently scheduled for Camp Hope for January thru August 2009:   Dec 27-Jan 5             36 volunteers are scheduled Jan 2 – Jan 10          20 volunteers are scheduled Jan 10 – Jan 26        no volunteers are scheduled Jan 27 – Feb 1          15 volunteers are scheduled Feb 1 – Feb 15           no volunteers are scheduled Feb 16 – Feb 20       25 volunteers are scheduled Feb 20 – Feb 28          2 volunteers are scheduled Mar 1 – Mar 8          14 volunteers are scheduled Mar 9 – Mar 14           2 volunteers are scheduled Mar 15 – Mar 20      22 volunteers are scheduled Mar 21 – Apr 3           2 volunteers are scheduled Apr 4 – Apr 11           41 volunteers are scheduled Apr 12 – May 1            2 volunteers are scheduled May 2 – Jun 19          no volunteers are scheduled Jun 20 – Jun 27       50 volunteers are scheduled Jun 28 – Jul 11         no volunteers are scheduled Jul 12 – Jul 18          100 volunteers are scheduled Jul 18 – Jul 25          120 volunteers are scheduled Jul 26 – Aug 31        no volunteers are scheduled   As Camp Hope can accommodate over 100 volunteers at a time, there are many openings for additional volunteers during many of these dates.  If you, your church or civic group would like to consider a life-changing experience by giving a few days or a week of service, please contact Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation.   You may contact Terri at 228.861.8129 or by email at ttdata@att.net.   If you can’t come yourself, but would like to help sponsor someone who would like to come but cannot afford the cost, please contact Karen Parker at 228-860-5767 or by email at akaren@bellsouth.net.   Camp Hope News             High school volunteer raises over $2,000 for PHC at church events.  One high school student from Stow, MA decided to put prayer into action by telling her volunteer story, and the needs of the people on the Gulf coast to churches and youth groups in her hometown.  The people responded with over $2,000 for the work of PHC.  Hear the story in her own words (see attached letter).         Needed: Long term summer volunteers. If you would like to give of your time for an extended period of service to PHC this coming summer, please contact Karen Parker (akaren@bellsouth.net; 228-860-1533).  The work is hard and days are long, but the rewards of working side-by-side with people from all over the U.S. who come in a spirit of service are well worth it.   How can I help Project Hope and Compassion?   If you can’t come yourself, consider sponsoring others to come for a week.  Either an individual, church or organization may wish to make a financial donation to someone you know who wants to make the trip to Mississippi to volunteer, but can’t afford it on their own.  Talk with your friends or community and see if you can create some interest.   Financial contributions are needed and welcomed, as they allow us to keep our doors open to volunteers.  Donations to Project Hope and Compassion may be made online at: http://www.projecthopeandcompassion.org/donate_page.htm, or by sending a check to: “Project Hope and Compassion” and mailed to:  23529 Hwy 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503.  All gifts are tax-deductible.   Funds are used for the maintenance of Camp Hope and where possible, to purchase minimum repair and construction supplies for needy hurricane victims.   Volunteers:  Please send your pictures and stories !!  Others will only be inspired if you tell us in words and show us in pictures what your volunteer experience with PHC was like.  Please send you information in care of: stevehulst@charter.net.      Project Hope and Compassion Information   Mission:  To bring compassionate Christian relief and hope directly to the victims of hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.   Current Goals:  (1) Provide facilities for volunteers who come to work along the Gulf coast that will accommodate their housing and meal needs; (2) Direct volunteers to organizations that have quality work projects for clean-up, demolition and reconstruction of coastal homes; (3) Assist in support of the facilities at St. Ann’s church and Camp Hope in order to insure their continued use for volunteers.   Who are we:  An ecumenical ministry of St. Ann’s Catholic Church working with Christians, churches and supporters from many denominations throughout the United States who share the mission and goals of the project.   Project Hope and Compassion is a ministry of: St. Ann's Catholic Church, 23529 Highway 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503   Fr. Peter Mockler, Director;(228) 862-2560; stanncatholic@bellsouth.net Karen Parker, Local Coordinator;  (228) 860-5767 or akaren@bellsouth.net Terri Moore, Volunteer Scheduler; (228) 861-8129; ttdata@att.net Richard Dunlap, Bookkeeper Steve Hulst, Founder   Website: www.projecthopeandcompassion.org     ___________________________________________________               Field Update:  June 30, 2008  Despite slow progress, Gulf coast residents continue to show optimism and gratitude…   Local headlines show mixture of gains and obstacles… AmeriCorps members help rebuild GULFPORT YouthBuild Americorps Katrina Rebuilding Project received a $100,000 slice of a $5 million donation from Wal-Mart to the YouthBuild U.S.A. program on Friday in a ceremony at one of its project sites. YouthBuild Gulfport has completed more than 200 projects in South Mississippi since being formed in July 2006. more... Truckload of lost Katrina supplies arrives THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BATON ROUGE -- The first truckload of $85 million in federal relief supplies, lost in a bureaucratic hole for months, has arrived in Louisiana and will be distributed to those still displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the chief of the state's storm recovery said Thursday. more... South Mississippi Still Generous Despite Tough Economy BILOXI (WLOX) -- Despite today's challenging economic times, South Mississippi residents continue opening their checkbooks to causes and organizations they support.  Mississippi often ranks near the top of national surveys about charitable giving. more... Charity wants better housing: Group looks at modular homes  THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BAKER, La. -- A group of former FEMA trailer residents has formed a charity with the goal of donating up to 200 modular homes in Louisiana to help their fellow Hurricane Katrina victims. more... Neighbor Testifies Wind Damaged Pascagoula Couple's Property (WLOX Biloxi) PASCAGOULA (WLOX) -- The wind versus water battle continued in Jackson County circuit court Wednesday. James and Gladys Lisanby are suing their longtime insurance company, USAA, for the $800,000 policy value they say they are owed. The couple's attorney says it was wind, not water, that destroyed the family's home. Wednesday, a hurricane expert and a neighbor backed up that claim. more... Soon To Be Former State Farm Customers Think About Options BILOXI (WLOX) -- The non-renewal letters may not arrive for several months, but hundreds of Mississippi coast residents who are losing their property insurance are already starting to think about life after State Farm. more... Despite the sacrifices and rising fuel costs, 800 volunteers will come this summer to serve thru PHC..  Why do they keep coming?   “This is my second year coming down.  I originally came so my son could get a taste of volunteer work, and see how other people live….but this has really grabbed a hold of me.  The spirit of the people who have been devastated is a great example that gives me a lot of hope.  In a selfish way, I feel like I get more out of coming than I could ever give back.”  (Don, Lafayette, IN)  “It was great to visit our friends again.  We’ve grown to feel a part of the PHC family.  Everyone is welcoming and works so hard to see that our stay is as comfortable and successful as possible.  The Holy Spirit truly is at work here and we leave feeling again like we have more than we came with.  God bless all of you who work so hard for so many.  (Steve, Lutherville, MD)  “Your accommodations here at St. Ann’s are perfect – food, shelter, showers and such welcoming personnel.  I could see myself coming here to clean, cook and serve the volunteers someday.” (KB, teacher, Muskegon, MI)  “From the beginning when I first met everyone here, I really fell in love with this place…this has become my second home.  I don’t see any time soon that all the work is going to get done.  Thank you for taking care of us no matter what time of day or night we show up.  You’re a class act.” (Dan, Rochester, MN)  “Thank you for making me feel like family.  You provided me with the utmost respect, love and hospitality.” (Moose, Princeton, NJ)   “I’ve realized that Project Hope and Compassion is really what it stands for.  I am leaving here with hope for Gulfport, for Mississippi, and for all the people of the United States.  I could not have asked for a better spring break.” (Samantha, Sandwich, MA)  “I thought everything had been cleaned up and mostly rebuilt by now, but my eyes were opened to the devastation surrounding the area.  From volunteering down here I definitely learned the value of teamwork and hope.  I was impressed by the high spirits and friendliness of everyone down here.  The experience was better than I could ever have imagined…..Thanks for taking care of us.” (Janine, Clarks Summit, PA)  “The experience of helping these families went far beyond my expectations.  The love that was shared throughout the week was tremendous.  We thank you for allowing us to be part of this life altering mission.”  (Elizabeth, Medfield, MA)  Much work remains,  and for many months to come..  Below are the volunteer numbers currently scheduled for Camp Hope:  2008     Arriving Departing Number of Volunteers 7/27/2008 8/1/2008 92 7/27/2008 8/2/2008 42 7/27/2008 8/2/2008 32 8/3/2008 8/9/2008 25 8/3/2008 8/9/2008 40 8/10/2008 8/14/2008 15       10/5/2008 10/18/2008   11/2/2008 11/8/2008   11/16/2008 11/22/2008 20 11/15/2008 11/15/2008   12/27/2008 12/31/2008 20 12/27/2008 1/5/2009 6 12/27/2008 1/5/2009 30     2009     Arriving Departing Number of Volunteers 12/27/2008 1/5/2009 6 12/27/2008 1/5/2009 30   As you can see, there are many openings late summer and fall.  If you, your church or civic group would like to consider a life-changing experience by giving a few days or a week of service, please contact Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation.   You may contact Terri at 228.861.8129 or by email at ttdata@att.net Camp Hope News Catfish dinners travel to Michigan Glenn, Karen and Ivy Parker traveled to Muskegon and Hudsonville, Michigan the last week of May, and with the help of PHC volunteers from the surrounding area, put on two successful catfish dinners to benefit Project Hope & Compassion.  The trip also gave the Parkers the opportunity to express gratitude for the many volunteers who have come to Mississippi and Camp Hope from Michigan over the past three years.  Dinners were served to over 800 guests.  Recognition for long-term volunteers at Camp Hope Special thanks must be mentioned for a few long-term volunteers at Camp Hope, without whose service this work would be much more difficult.  Barry Wright from Canada, Mark & Iverna Mercer from Pennsylvania, and Bob Cook from Michigan have each given extended periods of time this past year to do whatever needed to be done around the camp (cooking, clean up, repairs, directing volunteer groups, etc.).  Summers are extra busy at Camp Hope, and we are very fortunate that two young men, Robbie Kapafiasz (Maryland) and Charles Gardner (North Carolina), both of whom have previously worked short term with PHC, offered their services to assist the PHC staff with the large groups coming in to volunteer in July and August.  (Rumor has it that Karen & Glenn’s cooking was also a big attraction!) They have already proven to be a great help to Karen and the staff.   If you would like to give of your time for an extended period of service to PHC, please contact Karen Parker (akaren@bellsouth.net; 228-860-1533)   A Word from the Director… Fr. Peter Mockler “If I had to sum up in one word the reaction of residents along the coast to the generosity of the many thousands of volunteers who have come from all over the United States to help us in our time of need, the word would be gratitude.  We are awed and humbled by the goodness of people, young and old, who have given up their vacations, their holiday and spring breaks, their summer relaxation, to travel at great expense and sacrifice to a part of the country they may have never been to before, to labor, listen, cry, heal, feed, clean, build and pray with people they have never met before.  I don’t know if these volunteers realize what a tremendous encouragement they are to our local citizens.  Because of the outpouring of love, compassion and concern from these volunteers, residents know that they are not alone in facing the challenges and fatigue that daily plague them.  On their behalf, I thank you.  (Note: PHC is committed to keeping Camp Hope open and available as long as volunteers keep coming and funding allow us to do so.) A new storm season is upon us, and the threat of another major hurricane is always a concern.   Please pray that this will be a mild hurricane season.”     Field Update:  December 30, 2007   And the volunteers keep coming…..        Over 1,600 volunteers came to Camp Hope in 2007.   See where they came from……   Month # in Group Organization City St January 40 Church of the Nativity Timonium MD January 12 Mary Our Queen Catholic Church Norcross GA January 8 St. Mary's Cathedral Lafayette IN January 3 St. Mary's Catholic Church Spring Lake MI January 2 Bella Vista Church Rockford MI January 18 Hilbert College students Hamburg NY January 18 St. Elizabeth of Hungary Acton MA January 20 Pennsylvania State University students Univ Park PA January 3 St. William's Catholic Church St. Simons Island GA February 9 St. Ambrose Catholic Church Cossayana NY February 22 Bauer Christian Reformed Church Zeeland MI February 7 St. Bernard Catholic Church Oriska ND February 15 Covenant Reform Presbyterian Church Neon Ky February 16 Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church Holland MI February 4 St. Barthelmelow Catholic Church Newaygo MI February 40 St. Catherine & St. Tim's (Diocese of Boston) Norwood MA February 8 Resurrection  Catholic Church Rochester MN February 8 3 catholic churches Leicester MA March 12 Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church Plymouth MN March 2 St. Christophers Catholic Church York ME March 10 Bowdoin College Brunswick ME March 20 Aquinas College students Grand Rapids MI March 15 Loyola University of Maryland students Baltimore MD March 27 St Gabriels Catholic Church Allen TX March 6 Franciscan Univ of Steubenville students Steubenville OH March 5 Ball State University students Muncie IN April 4 St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Petroskey MI April 2 St. William's Catholic Church St. Simons Island GA April 5 Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Jenison MI April 20 Muskegon Catholic High School students Muskegon MI April 3 St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church SPARKS MD April 48 St. Ambrose Catholic Church Cossayana NY April 11 Diocese of Knoxville Chattanooga TN April 21 St. Thomas A Becket Catholic Church Livonia MI April 24 St. Matthew's Catholic Church Holllinston MA April 4 St. Joseph Catholic Church Olney IL May 6 Resurrection Catholic Church Rochester MN May 2 St. William Catholic Church St. Simons Island GA June 24 Penn State college students Univ Park PA June 14 St. Anastasia Catholic Church St. Augustine FL June 7 St. Mary's Cathedral Lafayette IN June 21 Lourdes Catholic Church Owensboro KY June 30 St. Helena Catholic Church St. Helena CA June 13 St. Jane Francis Catholic Church Pasadena MD June 173 Westover Church Greensboro NC June 15 St. Ambrose Catholic Church Cossayana NY June 25 All Saint Catholic Church/ St. Agnes Catholic Arlington VA June 15 St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church Naperville IL  July 15 Resurrection  Catholic Church Rochester MN July 170 St. Elizabeth of Hungary Acton MA July 65 St. Therese & Most Precious Bread Catholic Church Norfolk MA July 12 St. John Catholic Church Manchester NJ July 9 St John The Baptist Catholic Church Dodge Center MN July 59 St. Mary's Catholic Church Holliston MA July 10 St. Joseph Catholic Church Odenton MD July 35 Our Lady of the Fields Catholic Church Gambrills MD July 20 St. Thomas More Catholic Church Lynnwood WA August 75 St. Catherine Catholic Church Westford MA August 30 Corpus Christi Catholic Church Carol Stream IL August 25 St. Jane Francis Catholic Church Pasadena MD August 8 Sacred Heart Catholic Church Bad Axe MI August 50 St. Catherine & St. Tim's (Diocese of Boston) Norwood MA October 7 Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church Plymouth MN October 10 St. Mary's Cathedral Catholic Church Lafayette IN November 10 St. Anne Catholic Church Pleasant Prairie WI November 13 Holy Cross High School & St. Thomas More Prep School Delran NJ November 12 St. Thomas More Preparatory School Burlington NJ December 4 St. Joseph Catholic Church Olney IL December 3 St. Barthlemelow Catholic Church Newaygo MI December 20 Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church Atlanta GA December 25 Church of the Nativity Catholic Church Timonium MD December 25 Blessed Trinity Catholic High School Roswell GA December 6 St. Robert's Catholic Church Belmont CA December 40 St. Mary's Cathedral Lafayette IN       Is the travel, time and sacrifice worth it?  Hear the volunteers say it in their own words…   “This is my favorite place in the world!  I don’t want to go home.  Working here with the people of the Gulf Coast has shown me what it really means to live God’s love.  I love you, PHC!” (Nicole, Norwood, MA)   “  It is not the same seeing things on TV as it is when you are there in person.  The homeowners we met were so grateful for the help. “ (Laura, Knoxville, TN)   “A wonderful experience!!  It was very fulfilling, and I truly felt that I was making a difference in the lives of Hurrican Katrina victims.” (Liz, Southborough, MA)    “ It was a wonderful experience to be able to share myself and my talents with those in need.  I only wish I could have stayed longer or done more.  Even two years after the storm there is so much need.  I will be trying to start a similar program at home to help those in need.” (Jeff, Chattanooga, TN)   “  ..I found a group of very special people doing anything they could….I know that the sum total of all efforts was a work of love.  I was inspired by a group of high school students working at my site.  They were respectful, hard working, and their enthusiasm was very uplifting.” (Charles, Baltimore, MD)   “…the work was hard but the satisfaction of the people was what really made you proud of what you did.”  (Kate, Milton, MA)   “Great experience…seeing first hand how badly help is still needed.  Everyone seems to have forgotten the extent of damage to the communities in this area.  It was uplifting to see other groups working on homes.  I am hoping to make the trip again next year and enlist more help.  The spiritual aspect was much more important than I thought.” (L.L., Knoxville, TN)   “  I’ve been to Mississippi 3 times..and am always impressed at how friendly and hospitable everyone is.  People we meet just once invite us into their home for dinner.  I receive much more than I give.” (Eileen, Lafayette, IN)    “I could not have dreamed of a better mission trip.” (Jon, Stoughton, MA)   “…Amazing.  I would rather do this than go on a real vacation.” (Michael, Stoughton, MA)   “..the most rewarding thing was seeing the smiles on all the people’s faces..”(Alex, Rochester, MN)   “PHC has been a great experience and has opened my eyes to the continued urgency for volunteers in the Gulf Coast area.”  (Kaela, Walpole, MA)      What kind of work are volunteers doing?       “ I was able to contact the Hispanic ministry leaders at the Diocese of Biloxi to offer moral support as they serve the workers who are re-building.  We were also able to offer support with donated material goods for the transitional house – Casa Guadalupe.” (L.P., Farragut TN)   Here are just a few of the other jobs being done by PHC volunteers: -         Painting -         Helping a family move -         Building a fence -         Moving dirt piles -         Moving heavy furniture -         Putting in a hardwood floor -         Taping/prepping a house for painting -         Digging fence holes -         Clearing brush -         Insulating -         Clean front porch and yard -         Hang drywall -         Spackling -         House gutting -         Yard work -         Construction of stairway in Pass Christian home -         Clearing ditches -         Cleaned streets -         Put up door molding -         Light plumbing work -         Teacher’s aide -         Sanding -         Installing windows -         Helping in the kitchen at Camp Hope     How well are volunteers taken care of at Camp Hope?         “ The love and concern shown by Karen toward everyone really showed me someone who truly imitated the life of Christ.  I know that I will be back because I can see how one person can make a difference.”  (William, Oak Ridge, TN)   “ Despite being only a group of six, PHC treated us just like one of the “big boys”.  (Ken, Lucedale, MS)   “Seemed like luxurious accommodations compared to other groups in tents.  Karen and crew are pros….well organized.” (Steve, St Helena, CA)   “..smoothly run program, many new job opportunities; I felt very involved and at home at Camp Hope.” (Megan, Soughten, MA)   “..the volunteers working here are always kind, caring and very welcoming..” (Kate, Stoughton, MA)   “I am a hospital dietician and I was very impressed with the quality of the meals” (Joanne, Napa, CA)   “I am amazed at how well you are organized….such energy, such hospitality.  Thank you for providing the foundation to allow us and many other groups to help others in need.  We could not do it without you.”  (anonymous, Knoxville, TN)   “Very organized work camp…..great experience”  (Patricia, Pasedena, MD)   “Great people. Great Food. Great time!” (Doug, Wrentham, MA)      What is the on-going housing situation for those living in the Gulf Coast area?   Some positive.. FEMA changes policy for elevation grants THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Saturday, Dec. 15, 2007   NEW ORLEANS -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency will let homeowners who elevated their hurricane-damaged houses out of their own pockets get federal money to offset some of the cost.   The decision announced Friday is a big change for FEMA. The agency had shunned paying for flood protection work that is finished or under way because studies tied to federal aid - environmental, risk, cost - hadn't been conducted first.   But it remains unclear how quickly people will get the money. As many as tens of thousands of homeowners in Louisiana and Mississippi had faced having to pay the full cost of raising their houses after hurricanes Katrina and Rita simply because they rebuilt faster than the bureaucracy worked.   Some not as positive..   Housing crunch leaves many with few options Friday, Nov. 09, 2007 By MELISSA M. SCALLAN and JOHN FITZHUGH   BILOXI -- Alan Goodyear and Glen Ridgeway sat under the tattered shelter outside Goodyear's FEMA trailer earlier this week, waiting.  Goodyear, 51, was waiting for his back to heal, and Ridgeway, 54, was waiting to take a bus to Seattle, where he hoped to find work and housing. Both said finding a place to live for a good price in South Mississippi is difficult.   "There's just no housing," said Ridgeway, who was living in a FEMA trailer on Howard Avenue but left town in search of mild weather and better luck. Goodyear is recovering from a back injury and qualifies for $550 a month rental allowance from FEMA, but he can't find anything at that price, so he lives in his trailer on a piece of land with an understanding landlord.   "You can find apartments, but these people charge $800 a month and more," Goodyear said. "I'm not going to be able to live in this trailer forever. Right now, I'm just stuck." The two are examples of what some say is the biggest obstacle to recovery from Hurricane Katrina - affordable housing. "Whether it's the financing or the hurdles set up by zoning, renters are not going to have choices," he said. "The answer is to change some of the things we're doing."   More volunteers are needed for 2008        Below are the volunteer numbers currently scheduled for Camp Hope in 2008:   Jan 6-12                     20 volunteers are scheduled Jan 13-19                    0 volunteers are scheduled Jan 20-26                    80 volunteers are scheduled Jan 27 - Feb 17           0 volunteers are scheduled Feb 18 - 23                50 volunteers are scheduled Feb 24 – Mar 22       0 volunteers are scheduled Mar 23 - 30                15 volunteers are scheduled Mar 31 – Apr 19         0 volunteers are scheduled Apr 20 - 26               70 volunteers are scheduled Apr 27 – Jun 28          0 volunteers are scheduled Jun 25 – Jul 5           100 volunteers are scheduled Jul 6 – Jul 12             150 volunteers are scheduled Jul 13 – Jul 19           150 volunteers are scheduled Jul 20 - 26                     0 volunteers are scheduled Jul 27 – Aug 2           132 volunteers are scheduled Aug 3 – Dec 31              0 volunteers are scheduled   If you, your church or civic group would like to consider a life-changing experience by giving a few days or a week of service, please contact Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation.   You may contact Terri at 228.861.8129 or by email at ttdata@att.net     How can I help Project Hope and Compassion?   If you can’t come yourself, consider sponsoring others to come for a week.  Either an individual, church or organization may wish to make a financial donation to someone you know who wants to make the trip to Mississippi to volunteer, but can’t afford it on their own.  Talk with your friends or community and see if you can create some interest.       Financial contributions are needed and welcomed, as they allow us to keep our doors open to volunteers.  Donations to Project Hope and Compassion may be made online at: http://www.projecthopeandcompassion.org/donate_page.htm, or by sending a check to: “Project Hope and Compassion” and mailed to:  23529 Hwy 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503.  All gifts are tax-deductible.   Funds are used for the maintenance of Camp Hope and where possible, to purchase minimum repair and construction supplies for needy hurricane victims.   Also, help us make this newsletter even more informative by telling us what kind of news or information you’d like to see that’s isn’t being provided.  Please send your suggestions and ideas to us in care of: stevehulst@charter.net.           Project Hope and Compassion Information   Mission:  To bring compassionate Christian relief and hope directly to the victims of hurricane Katrina along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.   Current Goals:  (1) Provide facilities for volunteers who come to work along the Gulf coast that will accommodate their housing and meal needs; (2) Direct volunteers to organizations that have quality work projects for clean-up, demolition and reconstruction of coastal homes; (3) Assist in support of the facilities at St. Ann’s church and Camp Hope in order to insure their continued use for volunteers.   Who are we:  An ecumenical ministry of St. Ann’s Catholic Church working with Christians, churches and supporters from many denominations throughout the United States who share the mission and goals of the project.   Project Hope and Compassion is a ministry of: St. Ann's Catholic Church, 23529 Highway 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503   Fr. Peter Mockler, Director;(228) 862-2560; stanncatholic@bellsouth.net Karen Parker, Local Coordinator;  (228) 860-5767 or akaren@bellsouth.net Terri Moore, Volunteer Scheduler; (228) 861-8129; ttdata@att.net Steve Hulst, Founder   Website: www.projecthopeandcompassion.org   Field Update:  June 20, 2007   Twenty-one months after Katrina, the long road to recovery continues..           Local headlines tell the story..   Wind Insurance May Shut Down New Business The high cost of commercial insurance is forcing some small businesses out of business. One new business that is struggling to survive is Southern Community Adult Day Care in Ocean Springs. Its wind insurance has quadrupled.  After Richard Conley's heart attack, his wife Kathleen knew he'd need more supervision than she could handle alone. For the Conleys, Southern Community Adult Daycare seemed like the perfect solution.  (read more at…  http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=6571195)   Elderly Feel Like The Forgotten Victims Of Katrina In the almost 21 months since Katrina, south Mississippi has gone from being a retirement mecca to a community that's struggling to meet the needs of its seniors. The three coastal counties lost hundreds of affordable places for seniors to live. And more will close in the coming months.  (read more at…  http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=6559616)   Men On A Mission To Rebuild The Pass Ninety-five men from different states came to Pass Christian this week with one mission. They're building five houses from the ground up, and repairing three others for families in need. "We've stepped in and tried to help the people that are older, that are poor, and the government has chosen not to help," said Russell Warmack, a builder from Spartanburg, SC. (read more at… http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=6599985&nav=menu40_6)   Habitat Build-A-Thon Creates New Neighborhood They're essentially building a whole new neighborhood.  More than 500 volunteers spent the week before Memorial Day weekend turning concrete slabs into nearly finished homes.  "It's been an adventure. Watching 20 houses go up is really kind of cool," said Ohio volunteer Eliza Neff. (read more at…  http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=6570928)   Major Water & Sewer Project Underway In Waveland It's a major step in Waveland's post-Katrina recovery. Katrina badly battered the city's water and sewer system, but work is now underway to completely replace the system south of the railroad tracks. (read more at…  http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=6521306&nav=menu40_6)   Virginia Volunteers Partner To Help Rebuild D'Iberville Virginia Beach volunteers are helping put D'Iberville back together. For many of the workers, it's their third trip here since the storm. "This is my third trip down. And I feel like I'm at home," said a smiling Mary Jo Kennedy. Don MacEachern plans plenty of extra trips to the coast. "And frankly, we'll be back for years to come. My wife and I will be doing this every six months as we come down from the area. So, this is out third trip and looking forward to more," he said. (read more at…  http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=6367379&nav=menu40_6)     While the rest of America goes on with business and pleasure, the Gulf  Coast continues its struggle to rebuild….       Some volunteer organizations have had to close down their operations.  Through the generosity of many volunteers and friends, Project Hope and Compassion (PHC) remains open to offer assistance and hope…         The residents of the Gulf Coast give thanks to the more than 1,400 new PHC volunteers who have come since January 1, 2007…. (More than 5,000 total have come since September 2005.)           Here’s where the recent volunteers have come from….   St Helena Catholic Church St Helena CA St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Petoskey MI St. Anastasia Catholic Church St. Augustine FL Holy Redeemer Catholic Church Jenison MI Community Housing Resource Center Atlanta GA Bella Vista Church Rockford MI St William Catholic Church St. Simons Island GA Noordeloos Christian Reformed Church Zeeland MI US EPA Stone Mountain GA Muskegon Catholic High School Muskegon MI St. Joseph Catholic Church Olney IL St. Thomas A Becket Catholic Church Livonia MI Ball University Muncie IN Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church Plymouth MN St. Mary's Cathedral Lafayette IN Resurrection Catholic Church Rochester MN Doug & Friends Neon KY St Lucy CYO Lucedale MS Covenant Reform Presbyterian Church Neon KY Wake County Habitat for Humanity Raleigh NC Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church Owensboro KY Westover Church Greensboro NC Penn State Univ: The Green Project Many States   St. Bernard Catholic Church Oriska ND St. Elizabeth of Hungary CC Acton MA Hilbert College SIFE Akron NY Bowdoin College Football Carver MA St. Ambrose Catholic Church Cossayana NY St. Catherine & St. Timothy CC Norwood MA Significant Elements Ithaca NY St. Matthew's Catholic Church Holllinston MA ReHouse Rochester NY 3 Catholic Churches Leicester MA Franciscan Univ of Steubenville Steubenville OH Loyola University of Maryland Baltimore MD Penn State Univ: The Green Project State College PA St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church Sparks MD Habitat for Humanity University Park PA St Jane Francis Catholic Church Pasadena MD Group from the Diocese of Knoxville Chattanooga TN St. Christophers Catholic Church York ME Pulled Resouces Nashville TN Bauer Christian Reformed Church Allendale MI St Gabriels Catholic Church Allen TX Aquinas College Grand Rapids MI The Oak Hill Fund McKinney TX St. Bartholomew Catholic Church Grant MI Sacred Heart Catholic Church Charlottesville VA                   Volunteer experiences say it all…..     “…Very gratifying to help such an appreciative family that had been waiting for 18 months for help. “  PB, Canton, MI  (April 07)   “..the destruction down here is something which has to be seen to have any way of being comprehended.”  J, Nome, ND (Feb 07)   “ It took me by surprise to see how much had yet to be done after nearly 2 years since the hurricane struck.  I was impressed by the fortitude of the residents of the Gulf Coast that I met.  I am proud with how hard our 15,16 and 17 year old young adults worked, and their willingness to sacrifice Spring Break to help strangers in need.”  TB, Muskegon, MI (April 07)    “ We really appreciated the openness, organization and friendliness.  I especially liked the way that PHC helps the entire community, and without pushing religion. ..People know that this comes from the goodness of your hearts.”  ML, O’Fallon, IL (Feb 07)   “  This is my 5th trip to the Mississippi coast.  When I have the opportunity to work at people’s homes and hear their stories, it only makes me want to return even more.”  BG, Latham, NY (Jan 07)    “ This is my second experience at St Ann’s and the place, the people, continue to astound me.  It seems like everyone I encounter on this journey has a “story”, a reason for being here that motivated them to push a little harder, to do a little more.  When I arrived this time I was tired.  I needed an internal push to give me the energy I needed.  I got that “push” by watching Karen, Fr Pete and Barry give so tirelessly day in and day out, after so many weeks and months.  It is hard for me to put into words how the mission of PHC has affected me.  It is truly a living example of Christ’s love for others.”  ST, Jenison, MI (Mar 07)    “ I can honestly say the Holy Spirit flew me to Project Hope & Compassion.  Everyone I met was friendly and welcoming.  I was struck by all the volunteers who had come, and the thousands who been here already. All of these people had taken time away from their own lives (family, work and commitments) to spend time serving others.  …What amazed me most was the faith of the community we were serving.  These people have endured such great loss, yet have taken the tragedy and made the best of it.  …I can’t wait to book my next flight down to PHC !”  DJ, Plymouth, MN    “..All I can say is ‘I LOVE MISSISSIPPI !!’  I could not have asked for a better experience.”  EM, Brunswick, ME  (Mar 07)   (For more volunteer stories and comments click on the “Stories” link at: www.projecthopeandcompassion.org.) More volunteers are needed for the rest of 2007…..          Below are the volunteer numbers currently scheduled for Camp Hope from July thru December of 2007:   July 1-7                      20 volunteers are scheduled July 8-14                    80 volunteers are scheduled July 15-21                    65 volunteers are scheduled July 22-28                 137 volunteers are scheduled July 29-Aug 4           105 volunteers are scheduled             Aug 5-11                     83 volunteers are scheduled             Aug 12-25                Two week break – no bookings accepted             Aug 19-25                   0 volunteers are scheduled             Aug 26-Sep 1               0 volunteers are scheduled             Sep 2-8                       0 volunteers are scheduled             Sep 9-15                     0 volunteers are scheduled             Sep 16-22                     0 volunteers are scheduled             Sep 23-29                    0 volunteers are scheduled             Sep 30-Oct 6                 0 volunteers are scheduled             Oct 7-Oct 13                  0 volunteers are scheduled                Oct 14-20                            0 volunteers are scheduled             Oct 21-27                       10 volunteers are scheduled             Oct 28-Nov 3                0 volunteers are scheduled             Nov 4-10                        30 volunteers are scheduled             Nov 11-17                       0 volunteers are scheduled             Nov 18-24                      0 volunteers are scheduled             Nov 25-Dec 1                0 volunteers are scheduled             Dec 2-8                          0 volunteers are scheduled             Dec 9-15                         0 volunteers are scheduled             Dec 10-22                      0 volunteers are scheduled             Dec 23-30                      65 volunteers are scheduled     If you, your church or civic group would like to consider a life-changing experience by giving a few days or a week of service, please contact the Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation.   You may contact Terri at 228.861.8129 or by email at ttdata@att.net   Camp Hope News              Some pictures of Camp Hope have been added to the PHC website to help remind you of your experience, and to let others know about the buildings, grounds and people associated with PHC.   We will try to continue to add to and update these pictures as improvements continue to be made.  View the new pictures at the Photos Page.       PHC and the Karen Parker story (told in Karen’s own words as only she can tell it) has also being added to the website at Karen Parker's Story. You will want to read it.       In addition to all the volunteer groups that come to Camp Hope, many other individuals have also come for short and long stays to dedicate their services.   We want to give special thanks and recognition here to Barry (British Columbia), Ed (Michigan), Sue (California), Paul (Minnesota) & Tom (Virginia) for their significant contributions and dedication to Camp Hope these past few months.  Their contributions have been invaluable, and our successes would have been difficult without them.   What is PHC in need of at this time?   Our balance sheet is very low, and we are in need of donations to keep this work going.   No one at PHC receives a salary.  All the funds are used to help take care of volunteers, keep up the facilities, and where possible, purchase emergency materials and supplies to help deserving victims with reconstruction needs.   Please consider making a donation today so that we may continue this work.   Additional funds for construction supplies.  Many of our volunteer work crews could do more to help victims if funds were available to purchase minimum repair and construction supplies.  We are finding that many homeowners did not receive favorable insurance settlements, and have insufficient funds to make critically needed repairs.  Many are still unemployed but must make mortgage payments on homes that are unlivable.  Thank you if you are able to send a special donation designated to assist in this need.   Consider sponsoring a tradesman for a week. Either an individual or a parish may wish to assist by making it possible for an electrician, a plumber, a carpenter or any skilled tradesperson to spend a week in the area. Talk with your community and see what will develop. Once you decide you may want to build additional volunteers around these core skills.  These teams are an important part of the current reconstruction effort.   Contributions may be made online at: http://www.projecthopeandcompassion.org/donate_page.htm, or by sending a check to: “Project Hope and Compassion” and mailed to:  23529 Hwy 53 Lizana, Gulfport, MS 39503.  All gifts are tax-deductible.     Also, help us make this newsletter even more informative by telling us what kind of news or information you’d like to see that’s isn’t being provided.  Please send your suggestions and ideas to us in care of: stevehulst@charter.net.

Field Update:  March, 2007

A group of students and faculty from Loyola University in Maryland came to work hard and help the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. They were joined by students and faculty from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI. Their combined force helped take down two brick walls and then clean all the bricks, scrape an historic house in Pass Christian and help clear debris at the devastated St. Clare's Church.

St Clare before Hurricane Katrina.

St Clare after Hurricane Katrina.

They worked with sheetrock, painted sheds and so much more. The people, as always, were very grateful for our help. Much work still needs to be done.

Clark VanDam and Jack Boerson
Forest Grove Reformed Church
Hudsonville, Michigan -
Replacing the cross on
St. Ann Church's Steeple

Field Update:  December 30, 2006

                        Yes….we are still here!

Sixteen months after Katrina, volunteers continue to respond…

Helping to tear down ….

and rebuild…
 

What is the condition of Katrina recovery efforts in Mississippi ?

As of September 2006, over 200 relief organizations helped coordinate upwards of 350,000 volunteers who donated more than 3,500,000 hours to the emergency, clean-up and recovery efforts in Mississippi alone.  Nearly 4,000 of those volunteers have come through Project Hope and Compassion.

Much has been accomplished in the way of emergency relief and property clean up, yet so little in terms of reconstruction.  Thousands of Mississippians are still without stability and normalcy in their lives.

With respect to the three stages of Katrina recovery, here is an estimate of where things stand:

Below are two news organization websites with excellent coverage of information on the current situation inMississippi.  Simply click on the links and begin reading the stories.

WLOX-TV website: http://www.wlox.com/global/category.asp?c=71755

Sun Herald (Gulfport/Biloxi)  website: http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/news/special_packages/renewal/

How are local people coping..?

While Mississippians are a resilient and determined people, the long term and cumulative effects of recovering from property damage and loss, living in make shift or temporary housing, dependency on government or charitable assistance, on-going unemployment, lack of (or disappointing) insurance settlements, slow recovery of local businesses, lengthy wait for government action,  and unending red tape all create a multiplicity of mental and emotional stresses that increasingly are contributing to depression and despondency among some residents.   This post traumatic stress syndrome has led to more cases of domestic abuse and violence as an unfortunate outlet of venting frustration.

What people need most is to get their lives back to some kind of normalcy, to know that others care, and to hear a word of encouragement or receive a helping hand in shouldering some of the burdens they have to bare.

Large numbers come to Camp Hope during 2006….

Over 3,000 volunteers came to Camp Hope in 2006.  Individuals, small groups, and large groups of as many as 150 came, even in the hot and sweltering summer weather to work and serve.  Many demolition and clean up projects for coastal residents were completed.

Where a few of the groups came from….

Volunteer quotes….

I felt at home…everyone was so welcoming…..Enjoyed the hospitality and great food…..I am grateful to have had the opportunity to help the people of the Gulf. ….a wonderful experience….I felt spoiled all week…A+…..(University of Portland/OR group May 06)

With the sweat, dirt and heat, one would think that doing construction work is a miserable thing; however, ..we found that there is no greater joy than working to improve the lives of people who have lost everything they knew in an instant.  (J. Doopel, Owensboro , KY June 06)

The only way to truly understand the extent of the loss is to stand amidst the destruction that is still so evident here, even a year later, and feel it yourself.  It is powerful!  It is heartbreaking!  It calls for action!  A week of giving, even a few days of giving time and effort to the rebuilding here is so little to offer and yet can mean so much to the overall relief that is needed.  Come for a short stay and if the opportunity arises to offer help for a longer term, listen to your heart and let the Spirit guide you.  (J. Anderson, Univ of Iowa Aug 06)

Some projects were huge and others small….I believe everything we did was greatly appreciated.  We helped people with their hope for the future.  (S. Huffman, Davenport , FL   Sep 06)

The food was the greatest…you know how to take care of your volunteers!  We came back (from our work project) extremely achy and tired, but still found such enjoyment conversing with all the volunteers and sharing life stories….it’s like we’ve known each other for a long time.  (D Endres, Eagan , MN   Oct 06)

Camp Hope is verly well run…I thoroughly enjoyed my stay.  I think working on people’s homes should be the number one priority.  (P. Shorey, St. Simon’s Island , GA   Nov 06)

For more volunteer stories and comments click on the “Stories” link at: www.projecthopeandcompassion.org.

Volunteers needed for 2007….. 

Below are the volunteer numbers currently scheduled for Camp Hope from January thru June of 2007. 

Jan 1-6                       89 volunteers are scheduled

Jan 7-13                     58 volunteers are scheduled

Jan 14-31                      0 volunteers are scheduled

Feb 3-10                    36 volunteers are scheduled

Feb 11-17                      2 volunteers are scheduled

            Feb 18 -24                100 volunteers are scheduled

            Feb 25-Mar 2              0 volunteers are scheduled

            Mar 3-9                      32 volunteers are scheduled

            Mar 11-17                    0 volunteers are scheduled

            Mar 18-24                 57 volunteers are scheduled

            Mar 25-31                 30 volunteers are scheduled

            Apr 1-7                         25 volunteers are scheduled

            Apr 8-14                      20 volunteers are scheduled

            Apr 15-21                      0 volunteers are scheduled

            Apr 22-28                      0 volunteers are scheduled

               All of May                       0 volunteers are scheduled; help is
                                                          needed for St. Ann ’s Catfish Festival

           All of June                      0 volunteers are scheduled

If you,  your church or civic group would like to consider a life-changing experience by giving a few days or a week of service, please contact the Terri Moore to get more information or to make your reservation.   You may contact Terri at 228.861.8129 or by email at ttdata@att.net

Camp Hope News

• The Camp Hope tool crib over the past few months has accumulated a large number of basic hand and power tools that are available for volunteers for use on work projects.  From shovels, rakes, crowbars, and hammers to drills, circular saws, and sanders.  Some supplies such as nails, screws, electrical wiring and plumbing pipe are also available.  One supporting church recently took up a collection and provided over $5,000 to purchase needed tools and supplies.
   

• Additional bathrooms and showers have been added to the Pavilion building offering support for even more volunteers. 
   

• Karen Parker continues to serve as the local PHC coordinator even though now holding down outside work to help meet the needs of her family.  Those who know Karen will not be surprised to learn that she continues to supervise Camp Hope (especially the evening meal preparations), as well as her many responsibilities at St. Ann ’s.  It is not uncommon to find Karen at 11-12 at night still on the grounds engaged in a work project.  She has an unwavering commitment to PHC and the help it brings to her fellow Mississippians.

Field Update:  November 15, 2006

Recovery Efforts  Recently, PHC has focused its efforts on those who have "slipped through the cracks" of other hurricane relief attempts.  There are still many families who have been frustrated in their attempts to regain their basic needs, including shelter.  Many are still living in inadequate housing and even in tents. PHC is still working diligently on the Mississippi Gulf Coast to address those basic needs.  Demolition and debris removal is largely (although not completely) completed.  The more pressing need now is for reconstruction.  The Mississippi Gulf Coast needs skilled workers (framers, carpenters, plumbers, roofers, electricians, drywallers, painters, landscapers, etc.) and their helpers of any skill level to join PHC in helping Hurricane Katrina's victims.
Volunteer Need is Still Great

We have lots of occupancy dates available for volunteers.  The list of those who need help continues to grow.
 We are still encouraging and welcoming volunteers to help with the many projects that need completion. Please sign up here

Here are the numbers of volunteers (by group) currently scheduled for Camp Hope from November – January.  There are currently NO volunteers scheduled for November 19 through December 25, and none for the entire month of February. 

PHC News

The Cross  The cross on the church steeple has been restored!  Thanks to a group from Forest Grove Reformed Church in Hudsonville, Michigan and many others, St. Ann Church's steeple now has a new cross. The new cross is an inspiration to everyone (including local victims) involved in Project Hope and Compassion's efforts to alleviate suffering from the effects of Hurricane Katrina.

Pavilion Bathrooms/Showers  PHC hosted 50 volunteers (from GA and MI) last week and we have 25 this week (from NJ). Numbers look pretty sparse for a couple of weeks after this, then pick up again mid- to late December. Work on the new bathrooms/showers addition is ongoing. It is mostly wired, mostly plumbed and mostly drywalled so far.  St. Ann Parish will definitely appreciate any volunteer effort you might be able to provide in helping to complete this vital project.
 

Who we are:
Project Hope and Compassion is an ecumenical hurricane relief ministry of St. Ann Catholic Church in Lizana, Mississippi (just northwest of Gulfport), working with Christians, churches and supporters from many denominations throughout the United States who share the mission and goals of the project.

A Brief History of the Beginnings of Project Hope & Compassion and of Camp Hope in Lizana, Mississippi
By Steve Hulst