Southwest Mississippi Recovery Network 

Following the onslaught of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, FEMA received more than 35,000 registrations from residents of Pike, Amite, Walthall, Lawrence and Lincoln counties, who had damage to their residences or completely lost their homes.  Although some of the residences are still uninhabitable, due to mold and structural damage, many are occupied due to the shortage of available housing in these counties.

The Organization

Southwest Mississippi Recovery Network is a non-profit organization which focuses on rebuilding the homes and lives of Katrina survivors.  This is not accomplished by providing financial aid, but rather offering services and resources.  These could include repairs to homes damaged by Katrina or simply a gentle push in the direction of regaining mental health.  All at no cost to the survivor.

The Purpose

Meeting with church representatives, community, charitable organizations, FEMA and Church World Service, the Network was formed to

identify, coordinate and facilitate the recovery of survivors of disasters in the five county area of Amite, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike, and Walthall.

Working with federal, state, and local emergency management agencies, national, state and local faith-based organizations, churches, voluntary and charitable organizations, area business and civic groups, SMRN has the following objectives:

1. Identify the needs of the disaster survivors

2. Guide and assist their individual steps in achieving recovery

3. Seek assistance for their recovery through donated materials, labor and volunteer support

4. Seek and organize volunteers and professional/skilled labor to assist in rebuilding 

5. Insure financial accountability of all funds channeled through the Long Term Recovery Organization for the purpose of individual recovery

6. Organize and warehouse materials and supplies to rebuild damaged homes

7. Assist in identifying the needs of survivors who have temporarily or permanently relocated in the area

8. Identify those who suffer humanitarian, emotional and psychological damage as a result of the disaster, seeking to direct them to or facilitate support for their personal and family recovery. 

Volunteers

We can't do this without you--our heroes, our volunteers.  If you can drive a nail, sweep, pick up debris, or fill out a form you can help put a family back in their home. If you can listen with an attentive ear your can help someone regain their faith and begin the healing process.

Definition of Hurricane Katrina Survivor

Any person affected by the  catastrophic events which occurred on or after August 29, 2005. They represent all ethnic, cultural, social, and belief groups.  These include evacuees from Louisiana and Mississippi, as well as local residents of Amite, Lawrence, Lincoln, Pike and Walthall counties.

Definition of a Hurricane Hero

Any person who gives of themselves to aid, comfort and give hope to another person affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.  Volunteers who can help rebuild a home, businesses that will donate materials, counselors and clergy who will give their time and talents to help people following a traumatic event--everyday men and women who will listen and lend a hand to help a disaster survivor becomes whole again--these are our heroes.  Will you help?