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CityTeam’s Disaster Response Team Still Needs Volunteers on the 2nd Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

Bay St. Louis, MS - August 28th, 2007 –CityTeam‘s Disaster Response Team still needs volunteers to help rebuild lives and homes in the Gulf Coast. CityTeam is a registered 501c(3) non-profit, non-denominational Christian organization that has helped the poor and homeless for over 50 years. CityTeam’s Disaster Response Team heard the call two years ago to come to the aid of Bay St. Louis, MS - providing shelter, food, water, counseling, AA meetings, case management, and rebuilding homes. CityTeam offers multiple programs that provide real hope that transforms communities around the world. We use that same experience to assist with the needs of people suffering in disaster situations...read more

Disaster Response

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina swept through the Gulf Coast destroying communities and devastating lives. The worst natural disaster in American history left its painful mark. Days later, CityTeam was on the ground caring for thousands of people in need of shelter, meals, counseling, case management and other urgently needed care. CityTeam's focus is on the long-term recovery of Hancock County, Mississippi - Bay St. Louis.

Since the early days of the disaster, CityTeam has helped rebuild 150 homes and by this summer (August, 2007) there will be 20 additional families that can move into their rebuilt homes. Caring for the physical needs has been a priority as we have served meals and provided food boxes and clothing to thousands. We have also been able to come alongside the community emotionally as we have established 4 Support Groups as well as Recovery Groups like AA and AL-ANON. Nearly two years after Katrina, and after many organizations have gone, CityTeam is still in the trenches caring for people, giving hope, and rebuilding lives. Our long-term plan is to help rebuild this community. There are still another hundred families on our waiting list but without the volunteers and financial support we are unable to help everyone that so badly needs our assistance.

We are so thankful to the 1,100 volunteers that have helped us in the past 2 years with our Katrina efforts. Without them we wouldn't have been able to help the thousands of people that needed us. Our volunteers showed compassion and Christ's love in so many ways - whether it was repairing a roof, swinging a hammer, to cooking a meal or praying with someone that had just lost a loved one. Everyone that helped made a huge difference in the lives of Bay St. Louis. We are still in need of volunteers – please click here to download a volunteer application.

And thank you to countless donors that continuously poured out their hearts to financially support our work in this devastating disaster. Without you we wouldn't have been able to purchase lumber, sinks, doors, dry wall, roofing material, food, water and the list goes on and on. Our finances are limited today to exactly what donations come in to support this project. On the average, it can cost up to $35,000 to repair a home and we rely on donations to help with these financial challenges to continue to help families that have no other resources to turn to. Please click on the donation button to continue to help.

Recently, CityTeam has made Disaster Relief a permanent ministry of our organization so we can be readily available for the next disaster. With your support, God will continue to use us together in ministering to the needs of those suffering from disasters. CityTeam's ministry to help individuals, families and communities.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Tanya Liston at CityTeam – 408-232-5600 or tliston@cityteam.org. Please download the volunteer application form and fax it to the number provided at the top of the form.