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Disaster Description

Diamond is located in Plaquemines Parish, south of New Orleans. Because Plaquemines Parish encompasses the first 70 miles of the Mississippi River it is host to several oil refineries.

Diamond sustained almost a direct hit by the eye of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Most buildings were destroyed. Because of the great displacement of the local population, many people are still doing the physical work of rebuilding their communities. MDS is repairing and rebuilding homes in the Plaquemines Parish as well as rebuilding homes of members of the Grand Bayou Community, a Native American community.

MDS Response
MDS has repaired numerous homes and has rebuilt nine homes. The work continues throughout the summer in Plaquemines Parish and more homes in the Grand Bayou will be rebuilt this fall.

Organizing Tools

Finding what we need for the day in the Diamond tool room.

Volunteer

MDS volunteer David

Everything is going great!

Everything is going great!

Framing

Framing at a Diamond project.

Dinner-at-the-Diamond-Proje

Dinner at the Diamond Project

Moving-Ruby's belongings back home.

Moving Ruby's belongings back home, by boat, in the Grand Bayou.

Quilt-given-to Mitch and Mary at home dedication

MDS Volunteer Kathleen gives a quilt to clients Mitch and Mary at their house dedication.

Current-and-future-homes

Current and future homes for the P family.

Ruby-and-her-new-keys

Ruby shows off her keys to her new home in the Grand Bayou.

Sawing the trim.

Working on the trim at a Diamond project.

Working in the rafters.

Working up in the rafters at a Diamond project.

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Diamond, LA
MDS
24240 Diamond Road
Port Sulphur, LA 70083

Project Directors: Jim and Marie Byler

Tel: (504) 564-6655
Fax: (504) 564-0068
diamond(at)mds.mennonite.net

Project Start Date: November 2006

Volunteer Status: The weeks of Oct. 13 and Dec. 1 are available for voiunteers

Volunteers to Date: 1189

Jobs Started: 93

Jobs Completed:  86

Project End Date: TBA

Project schedule

October 13-December 13: Fall short term volunteers at project

January 11 - Winter short term volunteers at project

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

Diamond Volunteer Information

Volunteer Guide