Enduring Spirit

Gulf storm survivors impress JMU volunteers

Three months after Hurricane Katrina ravaged Biloxi, Miss., the destruction remains awe inspiring: Neighborhoods completely wiped out, boats in trees, cars wedged between houses washed off their foundations, a major bridge reduced to chunks of rubble in the water.

But something much less visible will stick with 54 James Madison students, faculty and staff who spent Thanksgiving week in the once-vibrant, Gulf Coast city aiding relief efforts: The spirit of the residents who remain there, working to rebuild their communities, businesses and lives.

“I think we've impacted people's lives here, but I think the best part is that they've impacted ours,” said Mary Landrum, associate professor of education and one of the trip organizers.

Added senior Keith Kohr: “People around here are so good, everybody is optimistic. It kind of gives you a new outlook on life.”

Working in groups of about 10, the JMU volunteers spent the majority of the week working in homes, removing all personal belongings, appliances and furniture, and then tearing out walls, ceilings and floors — leaving only the studs. The homes will be rebuilt after their frames are treated with chemicals to kill the mold and mildew that coats just about everything.

As the work went on, residents emerged from their government-supplied trailers to chat with the volunteers and tell their stories: A family of nine — plus five dogs — that rode out the storm on a boat as it floated near the roof of a house; a college student who spent hours in his attic, sitting on an air-conditioning unit as the water rose to the ceiling below him; a woman who returned to find her house unlivable and her possessions destroyed.

The JMU volunteers also chatted with residents as they walked through neighborhoods, handing out fliers advertising Thanksgiving festivities at what used to be the Veterans of Foreign Wars building. A large, circus-sized tent stood in for the building, which was reduced to a pile of rubble at the front of the lot.

Thanksgiving came twice for the volunteers, who spent the morning assisting with a community celebration in Bayou La Batrie, Ala., an hour east of Biloxi, serving food, removing trash and directing parking. After loading up a truck with leftovers, it was back to Biloxi, where the volunteers again assisted with serving food — and entertaining children.

“I never knew people were so supportive of one another and it's so reassuring. That's something I want to take with me and live that more in my life,” said JMU senior Steve Atwell.

Written by volunteer Eric J. Gorton for @Work, the JMU employee newsletter.