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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. Three 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 personnel are currently assessing damage for response this winter.

MDS Response
MDS set up a project site on a vacant property east of the town of Cameron. With God's help over the last four years volunteers completed numerous repair jobs and nine new homes in partnership with Faith Share, an ecumenical group that is working as the Long Term Recovery Committee. Many willing volunteers worked hard to help restore hope to Cameron and it's surrounding communities. MDS is preparing to return to Cameron in November.

Feb-2009---3

The first wall goes up.

Feb-2009---1

Working on the piers in Cameron.

Feb-2009---4

Our good cooks keep the volunteers happy.

feb-2009---8

Making sure everything is level.

Feb-2009---10

Securing the trusses.

feb-2009---12

The new house in Cameron.

Feb-2009---13

Installing house wrap.

feb-2009---16

Volunteers nail sheeting to the joists.

feb-2009---17

All the materials must be moved up to the work area.

Feb-2009---21

The first truss is set.

feb-2009---22

Halfway through the trusses.

Feb-2009---23

Working on the porch roof.

Drywall-in-the-closet

Hanging drywall in the closet.

finishing-the-concrete-pad

Making sure the concrete pad is finished right.

finishing-the-railing

Finishing touches on the railing.

finishing-the-railings

Building a sturdy railing for the steps.

hanging-drywall-2

Hanging drywall.

house-ready-for-siding

This house is ready for siding.

installing-doors

A volunteer installs the front door.

measuring-drywall

Measuring drywall for an accurate fit.

siding

Volunteers work on siding installation.

this-team-is-ready-to-go

This crew of volunteers is ready to work!

SilcoxExtendedFamily

The S family receives the keys to their new home.

SilcoxDedication 2

Presenting the S family with a quilted wall hanging.

S House Completed

Touring the completed home.

S Extended Family

The extended S family at the home dedication.

GaspardFamily

The G family on their new porch.

G Dedication 2

Presenting a wall hanging to the G family.

G House Completed

The completed house.

GaspardDediction 3

Giving the keys to the new homeowners at the house dedication.

SilcoxDedication 3

A beautiful quilt is given to the S family at their home dedication.

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Cameron, LA
MDS
1593 Marshall Street
Cameron, LA 70631

Project Directors: Carl and Laura Dube
Tel: (337) 775-3311
Fax: (337) 775-3312
cameron(at)mds.mennonite.net

Project Start Date: November 2006/ Re-open November, 2009

Volunteer Status: Project is closed until November.

Volunteers to Date: 625

Jobs Started: 31

Jobs Completed: 31

Project End Date:

Volunteer Information: Please download and read the files listed below if you are planning and preparing for travel to work in Cameron.

Welcome to Cameron

Volunteer Information