Cameron, Louisiana
Disaster Description
Cameron Parish, in the southwest corner of Louisiana next to Texas , was known as a beach and fishing destination before it was devastated by Hurricane Rita in September 2005. Over four years after Rita hit there are still many vacant lots and many residents have not returned to the area.
Update September 2008: Hurricane Ike caused widespread damage to Cameron. Some reports are that damage from Ike is as bad as or worse than damage from Rita.
MDS Response
The MDS site in Cameron will be set up at the First Baptist Church in Cameron. Following the destruction of their building, members of the First Baptist Church rebuilt with housing volunteers in mind. MDS is repairing and rebuilding homes in partnership with Faith Share, an interdenominational group that is working as the Long-Term Recovery Committee. Since 2006, over 1,200 MDS volunteers have built over 20 new homes in the Cameron area and have repaired many others.
Photo Gallery
Butterfly-comforter-given-by-the-Central-Mennonite-Womens\'-group-from-ARchbold
Butterfly comforter given by Central Mennonite Women's group from Archbold, Ohio.
Cheryl-Mast-from-Sturgis-MI-presented-Mr-Buddy-and-Ms-Gigi-with-a-lovely-wallhanging-for-their-new-home
Volunteer Cheryl, Sturgis, MI, presents Mr. Buddy and Ms. Gigi with a quilted wall hanging.
Johnstown-Christian-School-students-enjoy-pizza-together-with-crew-leaders-Daniel-Plett-and-Jeff-Reimer
Volunteers from Johnstown Christian School enjoy pizza with their crew leaders Jeff and Daniel.
Julie-Burleigh-at-right-expresses-her-appreciation-to-MDS-for-efforts-put-into-this-new-home
Julie expresses her appreciation for the efforts MDS has put into the new homes in Cameron.
Fishermen-from-Baptist-Church-cooked-up-a-feast-of-shrimp-oysters-and-flounder
The Fishermen from the Baptist Church cooked up a feast for our volunteers.
mud-and-concrete-experts-from-Goshen-and-Middlebury--good-job
Our crew this week were concrete experts from Goshen and Middlebury.
Daniel-Plett-from-Arborg-MB-presents-Ms-Artimese-with-keys-to-her-home
Volunteer Daniel, from Arborg, MB, presents Ms. Artimese with a quilted wallhanging.
Jeff-Reimer-presents-Mr-Buddy-with-the-keys-Jeff-worked-on-this-house-everyday-for-two-months
Volunteer Jeff presents Mr. Buddy and Ms. Gigi with the keys to their new house. Jeff worked on their house for two months.
The-house-with-a-smile--Mr. Buddy's and Ms. Gigi's house.
The house with a smile - Mr. Buddy's and Ms. Gigi's house.
Boudreau-house-week-4-windows-doors-electric-plumbing-done
Ms. Artimese's house after week four - windows, doors, electric and plumbing all finished.
Hardee-house--windows-and-doors-and-electric-plumbing-completed-week-4
Mr. Buddy and Mrs. Gigi's house after week four - windows, doors, electric and plumbing done.
Bob-putting-the-finishing-touches-on-Ms-Artimeses-exterior
Bob puts the finishing touches on Ms. Artimese's landscaping.
Daniel-and-Jon-together-with-Goshen-studnets-enjoying-slushies-in-the-sunshine
Daniel and Jon and the Goshen College students enjoy slushies on the deck.
Sandra-Friesen-and-Susan-from-the-First-Baptist-Church-painting-letters-for-the-church-sign
MDS volunteer Sandra and Susan, from the First Baptist Church, paint letters for the church sign.
The-cooks-brought-slushies-to-the-volunteers-at-Mr-Buddies-and-Ms-Gigis-house
The cooks brought slushies to the volunteers working at Mr. Buddie and Ms. Gigi's house.
Volunteer-from-in-PA-joined-Evie-and-Polly-in-the-kitchen-for-a-week
A volunteer from PA joined Evie and Polly in the kitchen.
Volunteers-from-CMU-enjoy-boudin-spicy-sausage-brought-by-a-homeowner
Volunteers from CMU enjoy spicy boudin sausage brought by a homeowner.
Mr-Buddy-and-Ms-Gigi-with-PD-Harold-and-Sandra-Friesen
Mr. Buddy and Ms. Gigi with Project Director Harold and Sandra Friesen.
Ms-ARtimese-admires-a-wall-hanging-presented-by-Polly-Winters
Ms. Artimese admires a wall-hanging presented by volunteer Polly Winters.
Ms-ARtimese-receives-a-comforter-from-Sandra-Friesen
Ms. Artimese receives a comforter from Sandra Friesen.
Ms-Gigi-and-Mr-Buddy-receive-the-Hammer-rings-hope-from-volunteer-Don-Winters
Ms. Gigi and Mr. Buddy receive "The Hammer Rings Hope" book from volunteer Don Winters.
Project Reports
Weekly Report for Cameron
AWARD OF APPRECIATION PRESENTATED TO MENNONITE DISASTER SERVICES 2006-2012 FOR ALL THE HOURS OF LABOR FOR ALL THE FRIENDS WE HAVE MADE, WE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR CARING ENOUGH ABOUT CAMERON PARISH TO...[more]
Map/Directions
Project statistics
Cameron, LA
MDS
110 School St., Cameron LA 70631
Project Directors: Harold and Sandra Friesen
Tel: (337) 775- 3311
Fax: (337) 775-3312
E-mail: cameron(at)mds.mennonite.net
Project Start Date: November 2006
Volunteer Status:
Volunteers to Date: 1242
Jobs Started: 52
Jobs Completed: 52
Project End Date: Project is closed
Volunteer Information: Please download and read the files listed below if you are planning and preparing for travel to work in Cameron.
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