100 days after Katrina: MDS update

“This is an unprecedented disaster demanding an unprecedented response,” said Kevin King, executive coordinator of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS). He was reflecting on MDS efforts 100 days after Katrina, the storm that hit three of the poorest states in the U.S. and “changed this country.”

MDS is facing several significant challenges as it continues to respond. Many buildings able to house large numbers of volunteers are destroyed or being used as basic shelter. This adversely affects the ability of MDS to accept the many volunteers who wish to serve but are told there is no room.

Further, local governments still decimated by the disaster are trying to regroup and be in a position to invite MDS in. MDS depends on local groups to make decisions and assist in identifying focus, including mitigation. (Homes in Pointe Aux Chenes, for example, will need to be 12 feet above elevation, whereas most are currently considerably lower.) There are many “on the ground” delays.

Volunteers will be urgently needed after March, when projects will expand and fewer volunteers sign up. Long-term staff positions (office managers, cooks, team leaders, construction foremen, project directors) are the hardest spots to fill. These positions determine the number of summer projects.

MDS conducted a semi-annual project leadership workshop in Hesston (Kan.) College, Nov. 30–Dec. 2, attended by 23 people, including five Canadians.

MDS is also exploring new partnerships with Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) and Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). MEDA’s goal would be to establish with local partners small business start-up/restart training and support, and microcredit opportunities. MCC’s goal would be to continue to support local churches and look for community development opportunities.

Since summer, 200 Canadian volunteers have served in Florida, California and the Gulf Coast; 66 long-term volunteers in leadership roles will leave for project sites this January and February. Canadians have donated $700,000 to MDS work on the Gulf Coast.

—MDS releases