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Disaster Description

Newton is in eastern Texas near the Louisiana boarder 100 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and 75 miles north east of Houston . Hurricane Rita devastated this area in 2005 with high winds downing many trees and ripping off roofs. Many people evacuated this area when the storm came through however the majority have returned. 

Two years later you won’t find too much visible damage but many families are still removed from their homes. This area has the lowest per capita income in all of the Texas counties. The major industry in this area is lumbering due to the abundance of pine forests. MDS has helped with clean-up directly after the storm and built three houses last winter.

Since learning about additional needs MDS is returning to rebuild several more homes and rehab several damaged houses. The RV program works simultaneously and in cooperation with the regular project.

Mary-Ann-working on sheet rock

Mary Ann working on sheet rock.

Joanne-and Kathy-clarifying-the sign

Joanne and Kathy clarifying the sign.

Framing

Framing at the Newton RV project.

Betty-and-Mary-Anne-painting-

Betty and Mary Anne painting.

At-the-Building-site

The Newton RV group works together on framing.

The-Newton-RV-Program-Group

The Newton RV group in 2008.

The-ladies-painting-the-ext

The ladies paint the exterior walls.

Newton RV
MDS
PO Box 272
Newton, TX 75966

Project Directors: Walt and Pat Willems

Tel: (503)871-0528
Fax: (409) 379-4664

Project Start Date:
January 2008

Volunteer Status: This site is closed.

Volunteers to Date: 20

Jobs Started:

Jobs Completed:

Project End Date: February 29, 2008

For more information on the RV program, contact Cathie Kearsley (US Volunteers) at ckearsley(at)mds.mennonite.net or Evelyn Peters-Rojas (Canadian Volunteers) at epetersroja(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 in Pass Christian, Miss.

Newton RV Program Information