How Katrina is changing MDS

Just as the U.S. government changed its emergency response policies after Hurricane Katrina, Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is adapting to its situation in the New Orleans area. These changes have MDS sailing into uncharted waters.

MDS usually stays a short time. In “Katrina land,” however, MDS has invested heavily in buildings and staff, which signals a resolve to stay for several years.

Unique urban challenges in that culture require people who can build long-term relationships with public officials and establish credibility with other charitable agencies, says Everett J. Thomas of The Mennonite.

MDS is also taking advantage of the Mennonite “love train” – allowing Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) to provide follow-up in ways that are not part of MDS’ mission or expertise.

Another learning experience has been juggling priorities between Anabaptist congregations and non-Mennonites who are struck by the same disaster.

“You might have a Mennonite church with a window blown out, and two miles away a [low-income, non-Mennonite] family that lost a house,” says MDS executive director Kevin King. While MDS may choose to build the family a house rather than replace the church’s window, he said, MDS has learned that the congregations are also victims and experience loss.

—Everett Thomas for Meetinghouse