New Haven Independent

The pastors belong to a social-action group called New Haven 828. Click here to read more about who they are and why they’re in New Orleans.

Organizer Todd Foster sent these photos, and these write-ups to go with them:

Rev. Al Serino (Calvary Chapel, Uncasville) and Pastor James Roundtree (Church on the Rock, New Haven) discuss plans to utilize volunteers to replace the hurricane damaged floor of Ira Hatchett, a homeowner in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. We heard from a number of people today the sentiment that “we don’t know what we would have done if the church hadn’t stepped in to help.” Al Serino continues to coordinate crews from the Connecticut region. Reportedly, less than 20 percent of the people who need help have received it. The Gulf region is still a land filled with uninhabitable homes and “temporary” residential FEMA trailers. Insurance companies have really left the residents of the area holding the proverbial bag by denying most of the claims that have been filed.

75 year old Dena Shotts has lost a husband, a child and a home over the last five years. Here she stands in front of her former home that was blown off of its foundation onto the neighbors property during Katrina. Insurance protection? There is none. She’s on her own apart fro those who will dare to care. She’s standing on the ramp entrance to her new FEMA provided trailer. Evidently, the government mission is accomplished. She’s one of those who “Thank God” for the church groups that have begun to provide the labor and resources that will turn her former carport foundation into a foundation for her new, greatly scaled down home.

What’s the current need? Well, it depends on who you speak to, but everyone seems to agree that skilled laborers are at the top of the list. Sheet Rockers, Carpenters, electricians, plumbers etcetera. Oh, they’re here alright, but many of them are here for the money. Rates for skilled laborers have tripled since the hurricane. Amazing, isn’t it? It’s human nature at its worst. Not everyone is here to make a killing though. It really is the worst of times and the best of times. While the laws of Supply and Demand make restoration out of reach for a great many people, the law of love has brought many a benevolent soul here to simply be a blessing. They’ve funded their own air fares. Their sleeping in church basements. They’re giving all they’ve got. To the extent that they are able, they are restoring hope to the likes of Dena Shotts and Ira Hatchet.

Now that there has been a transition from demolition to rebuilding the greatest demand is for skilled laborers, but there will always be a need for less skilled folks to be helpers, runners, toters, and to simply care. Want a “vacation” that makes a difference in people’s lives? You will leave you here personally uplifted as you endeavor to uplift others.

I thought this was interesting and worth noting; one African-American Town Council member asked us, “Where are the African-American Churches in all these efforts?” Sounds like a reasonable question to me. In all fairness though, many churches of all persuasions sent money and goods immediately after the storm, but the need is still tremendous. We spoke by cell phone with one New Haven pastor about what we were witnessing and he said, “I thought the government had this one covered.” Guess what? Not so!

We’ll be talking about it at Sunday night’s New Haven 828 musical concert at Church on the Rock. Come out for a great night of music and some further insight as to what all of us can do to touch some lives in a meaningful way.

Those of us who made the trip to New Orleans and Mississippi have determined to return with our work boots on and sleeves rolled up. Will you join us?