Mormons Continue Rebuilding in Katrina-Hit Areas
SALT LAKE CITY — A year after
devastating hurricanes hit the southeast part of the
In April, Church leaders
in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Slidell, Louisiana, identified which members
of their congregations needed their homes repaired. With help from Mormons
all across the southeast area, homes have been repaired and made livable once
again.
Approximately 200
homes are in some stage of renovation. Supplies are provided by the homeowner,
and the labor is performed by hundreds of Church volunteers. All the homes
identified as needing to be repaired are expected to be finished by the end
of 2006.
Church leaders hope
to begin home repairs and renovations for members of the Church in and near
New Orleans, in October 2006.
In addition to the
home repairs, the Church has six full-time counselors to provide mental health
assistance. And Church employment centers — offices that aid
with finding jobs — have opened their doors to everyone, regardless of religion.