Newton, Texas
Disaster Description
Newton is in eastern Texas near the Louisiana border 100 miles from the Gulf of Mexico and 75 miles north east of Houston . Hurricane Rita hit 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.
Almost three years later you won’t find too much visible damage but a few 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 Response
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 repair several damaged houses. The regular project operated simultaneously and in cooperation with RV project which was based at the same location. Since the end of March the project has been closed but MDS is not finished working in Newton. Several clients have been selected to be recipients of homes through the Partnership Home Program.
In Newton, MDS is working in cooperation with Second Hope Homes of East Texas. To see additional photos of the homes built through this partnership, click on the link below.
Second Hope Homes of East Texas
Photo Gallery
Project Reports
Weekly Report from Newton
The diesel engines are rumbling in the cool morning air, accompanied with an almost musical beat of the windshield wipers as they clear the frost from the windows. Workers are scurrying around like a hive of bees, loading tools...
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Map/Directions
Project statistics
Newton, TX
MDS
1018 Hwy 87S
Newton, TX 75966
newton(at)mds.mennonite.net
tel: (717) 823-0691
RV Program tel: (717) 823-1505
Newton Project Director: Gil Friesen
Newton RV Program Project Directors: Wilmer and Mary Leichty
Project Start Date: Reopened January, 2008
Project End Date: March 28, 2008
Volunteer Status: Project is Closed
Volunteers to Date: 638
Jobs Started: 195
Jobs Completed: 193
Project End Date:
Volunteer Information:
Please read these files if you are planning and preparing for travel to work in Newton, Texas, either on the regular project site or on the RV Program site.
RV Program Information
Click the link below to download RV Program volunteer information
RV program Information for volunteers
*Note: Because of liability issues, absolutely no pets are allowed on the RV campus, even if they are inside the RV. Contact Cathie Kearsly at (717) 715-4664 with any questions.
Volunteer preparation tips In preparation for your trip to an MDS project, download the appropriate file below.
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