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Pass Christian Rises.org Rebuilding the Lives and Community of Pass Christian, Mississippi |
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Rotary Club of Pass Christian, Mississippi Previous updates: May 5, 2008 - July 23, 2008 Perils of Gustav Update from the Pass - Dedication of Two Homes #18 & #19
"This is a critical point, we do not build houses, we build homes! Now, we are forgotten, it seems, toward continuing this project. People have no idea how small our club is and what work we have done for our community. It is getting more difficult to find new funds." D.H. Short On August 14th two homes were dedicated in the Pass. Homes #18 and #19 were turned over to two Pass Christian residents. DH and Rotary President Kathie Short were present at the dedication. "It is important to note that Rotary helps makes the funds available to build these homes, but as far as who receives them or who builds them, Rotary takes no part." Currently the home project has completed 19 homes. One home is under construction and two more are to be started in October. "This is an on-going project," say D.H. With a team approach it could not be done. According to DH, the team consists of the Case Worker who determines the needy residents that receive a home. That information is not known by Rotary, including the list and choice process.. Once this has been determined, Rotary is contacted and funds are released to support the construction. The Mennonite Disaster Service then manages and builds the homes. The Mennonites come from all over the United States and Canada to work in Pass Christian and other areas to build the homes or do other projects. The Mennonites are housed in their own encampment in six temporary housing units that house from 10 to 30 people at any give time. They repair homes, but work exclusively on the home building. This allows them to control the quality and liability of project. Each dedication includes a program that includes a brief prayer, A Pledge of Allegiance and singing of "Oh Canada". Each resident receives a Bible, a wall hanging from the Mennonites, and a certificate of ownership and turning over of the key to home. At this meeting the Mennonite Project Manager also had the home owner to-be to sign "The Job Card" which is a checklist of home completion before turning over ownership and occupancy. "Naperville Responds has been a major donor in Pass Christian for our local Rotary Club," says DH. "The professional business people in Naperville, Illinois has raised over $2 million enough to build 20 homes.
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August 14, 2008
