1. What is the problem? Hurricane Katrina happened over a year ago; aren’t they all cleaned up by now?
It is far from cleaned up. While the news media has, for the most part, moved onto other more sensational stories, the residents are left with the aftermath of the cleanup and rebuilding. And with the entire infrastructure all but destroyed the logistics of cleaning up and rebuilding are daunting. Many residents are caught between waiting for an insurance settlement and a FEMA check. Also most residents have to keep working at their jobs. So rebuilding their homes takes place on the weekend – can you imagine it? In short it is going to take years to rebuild what was lost.

2. Isn’t the government supposed to help with this sort of thing?
Yes, however even the government has stated that it simply is not equipped to deal with such widespread, massive destruction. Much of the cleanup and rebuilding that has occurred to date has been from volunteer help throughout the rest of the country. For the efforts to continue and be completed this help has to continue to come.

3. What are the people doing to help themselves?
While some residents have left, others are committed to cleaning up and rebuilding. The destruction in most cases was massive and complete. They are doing cleanup and rebuilds as they are able. But, many of them are living in tents or some type of temporary housing and even the most basic resources are very limited.

4. What, exactly, is the status of the situation?
It is better than it was a year ago, but there is much that needs to be done. It will take years to complete the cleanup and rebuilding of the area and even then it is anticipated that it will never be the same as it was before the storm.

5. What needs to be done?
Skilled labor, in particular, is needed for the rebuilding process. However, there are many ways people can contribute to help. About 25% of the community still needs to be cleaned up, skilled workers need assistance and the residences need encourage. People with willing and kind hearts can be a huge encouragement to the residence in the Gulf region.

6. What has already been done?
Numerous people and groups have volunteered their time and resources to help with the cleanup and some rebuilding has been started. Some people are back in their homes and businesses are beginning to reopen. The schools are open but far from fixed. They still desperately need us.

7. If the community rebuilds, will another hurricane come and destroy it again?
There are no guarantees, especially if the hurricane were larger the Katrina, that destruction would not occur again. However, rebuilding is taking that into account and every effort is being made to prevent a repeat of a disaster of this magnitude.

8. Is anything being done differently as the community rebuilds to better fortify it against future storms?
Yes. Building codes are being reworked, flood planes redefined and stricter inspections are in place. However, there are no guarantees. All rebuilding is taking that into account and every effort is being made to prevent a repeat of a disaster of this magnitude.

9. What groups are helping?
There are numerous service, religious, organizations, and individuals helping.
A few are listed below (copied from the bucksmontkatrinaproject website):

The BucksMont Katrina Project is a group in the BucksMont, Pennsylvania, area involved in a number of projects including a Day Care Center: www.bucksmontkatrinaproject.org/index.htm

The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia is a key partner in the Bucks Mont Katrina Relief Project, providing guidance and non-profit status to our fundraising efforts. Learn more:
www.877redkettle.org  

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, Calvary Church, Souderton, PA, has made a two-year commitment to aid relief efforts in the Gulf Coast:
www.calvarykatrinarelief.org  

This site has logistical information for those groups planning a trip to Bay St. Louis-Wavelent to assist in the rebuilding effort:
http://www.the-realm.net/katrina/mypage.asp?Page_ID=1  

For news coverage from the Hancock County region:
http://www.seacoastecho.com

Hospitals in New Hampshire are assisting the Hancock Medical Center:
http://www.nhha.org/partnershipforhancockrelief.php  

See the work of a like-minded organization based in North Carolina:
http://katrina.thepilot.com/serendipity/index.php  

The shelter was damaged and equipment and computer files were lost during Katrina, but Friends of the Animal Shelter is hard at work in Hancock County:
http://www.friendsoftheanimalshelter.org/ 

10. What can I do to help?
The biggest needs are money and willing workers. The web sites listed above have numerous contacts and suggestions for helping. In addition, there is a “Logistics Website (http://www.the-realm.net/katrina/mypage.asp?Page_ID=1) that has direct contacts in the Missippi area who can inform you of various projects.

11. I belong to a group that wants to go down to the site and help; how do we find out where to stay and where we can help?
Check out : http://www.the-realm.net/katrina/mypage.asp?Page_ID=1 for housing information and local contacts who are coordinating projects

12. I don’t have any construction skills, is there anything I can do?
Check out : http://www.the-realm.net/katrina/mypage.asp?Page_ID=1 for local contacts and also groups that are going down.

13. Is it feasible to drive down? If so how long does it take?
Check out : http://www.the-realm.net/katrina/mypage.asp?Page_ID=1 for travel tips.

14. Generally how much will it cost to go down?
That will depend upon your mode of travel and where you intend to stay. When developing your budget figure the cost of transportation, meals, lodgeing and a least $100 per person to cover supplies for a week of work.

15. Can I go as an individual or is it better to hook-up with a group?
You can do either, but it would be best to contact a group that already has projects, or get in touch with one of the volunteer coordination groups. (Check out : http://www.the-realm.net/katrina/mypage.asp?Page_ID=1 for resources)
I want to go as part of a group but don’t know of one. Is there anyway you can help me? Check out : http://www.the-realm.net/katrina/mypage.asp?Page_ID=1 for listings of projects, trips and local resources.

16. Is it really worth my time and energy?
Those who have gone down and worked have said that they got far more out of it than what they gave. And all were shocked by the devastation. Imagine if Pennsylvanian, New York and New Jersey were suddenly all destroyed? The resources (friends, neighbors, family) that we usually depend upon would all be in the same situation. It is simply too large to even comprehend. So, if you feel called to get involved, please do so!

17. What are a few key things others have learned from going down?
People who have gone down have found that their priorities have shifted, commitment to do more has increased. And those who have taken the trip want to do it again!
You need to be willing to do what needs to be done. Projects will change and advanced planning is difficult. The most import two things to remember are flexibility and being committed to be a servant to those in the Gulf region. This is not about you going and feeling good about yourself (though that will most likely happen) it is about helping people in desperate need – doing what they need done.