Hands On USA - Biloxi, MS (New Years Weekend 2006)

These are pictures from New Years weekend 2006. My buddy Miguel and I spent 4 days volunteering for hurricane relief with Hands On USA, an amazing organization in Biloxi, MS.

When you mention Hurricane Katrina, most people think of New Orleans, but other places on the Gulf coast were hit just as bad as New Orleans. Biloxi, MS suffered massive damage from the wind, rain, and a 30 ft. storm surge. Hands On USA set up shop soon after the storm as a grassroots volunteer organization, and provided a way for volunteers to "hit the ground runing", and make an immediate difference.

During my time in Biloxi with Hands On I helped demold a house, and took part in their Graveyard Rejubilation project by helping to clean up the Biloxi city graveyard.

It was gratifying to have people come up to us and say how much they appreciated our help, or honk their horns when they saw our volunteer shirts. At the same time, it was sad to see the damage...both emotional and physical, that the storm caused to the community. It looked like the storm hit the day before. It was frustrating to see so many people living in tents or out of their cars while they waited for FEMA trailers to be delivered.

Overall, the weekend was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life...I couldn't think of a better way to spend the New Year.

Oh...I also got to go to a bonfire party!! :)