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Disaster Description This fall’s RV program will be set up in Johnson Bayou, located in southwest Louisiana , Cameron Parish.  Hurricane Rita hit this area hard in September of 2005. Though few died in Hurricane Rita, thanks to a vigorous evacuation plan, but the storm destroyed or rendered structurally unsound about half of the 5,400 parish homes and commercial buildings. In the lower part of the parish, as few as 20 of 1,000 residences may be inhabitable, according to the most dire estimates.

MDS Response
RVers completed two major repairs and one new build during this fall-winter project. Their efforts were received with gratitude as they served in the Bayou community.

Project Location/Address

Ben’s Trailer Park/Trahan’s RV Park
6398 Gulf Beach Hwy
Cameron , LA 70631

This address is in the Johnson Bayou community, although the postal address is Cameron.  This is important to note, because Cameron town is east of the intercoastal waterway, and Johnson Bayou is west of it.  A ferry allows vehicles to cross, but we don’t expect the RV program to need to cross the ferry. 

RV parking, full hookups including a minimum of 30 amp electrical service, water hookup and a means of black and gray water disposal are provided. 

Directions to Ben's/Trahan's RV Park

From I-10 in Louisiana take Exit 20, LA-27 South.

Follow LA-27 South for 35.7 miles

Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto LA-82

Follow LA-82 14.3 miles, through Johnson Bayou town to the RV park

Project in Johnson Bayou

New build in Johnson Bayou.

Len working on the Siding

Len working on the siding.

Working on Project 3

Finishing the electrical work at project 3.

The very beginnings of a new home

The beginnings of a new home in Johnson Bayou.

Click Here for Interactive Map

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Johnson Bayou, LA
MDS
6398 Gulf Beach Hwy
Cameron, LA 70631

Project Directors: Jake and Verna Martens
Tel: (717) 271-3100
Fax:
johnsonbayou(at)mds.mennonite.net

Project Start Date: October 2007

Volunteer Status:  This site is now closed.

Volunteers to Date: 28

Jobs Started: 3

Jobs Completed: 2

Project End Date: March 28, 2008

For more information on the RV program, contact Don and Marilyn Buller (US volunteers) at mdsrv(at)mds.mennonite.net or Evelyn Peters-Rojas (Canadian volunteers) at epetersrojas(at)mds.mennonite.net or (866) 261-1274 (Toll Free).

Volunteer Information: Please read this file if you are planning and preparing for travel to work at Johnson Bayou.

Johnson Bayou Information

Click the link below to download general RV Program volunteer information

RV program Information for volunteers

fileadmin/Resources/MDS_brochure-for_Trip_PreparationsCA.doc