In August of 2005, America suffered from one of the greatest natural disasters to ever hit its shore. Hurricane Katrina killed at least 1,836 people and destroyed over 850,000 housing units. The destruction level entire communities and uprooted entire families. 4 years later, the need is stronger than ever. In no place is it clearer than in Hancock County, Mississippi.

The official ground zero of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, most experts say the Hancock County will never be fully recovered. Today, many families who were left homeless by the storm are still confined to FEMA trailers, temporary shelters – or worse. Because of the high cost necessary to rebuild the lost homes and the disastrous fallout with insurance companies refusing to compensate victims, for many families there is no hope in sight.

Over the past three years, Next Step teams have repaired and built dozens of homes that were devastated by Katrina in the Gulf Coast. Yet as our ministry works its way north in Hancock County, we sadly continue to find family after family than has been overlooked for Katrina assistance.

It is our goal to reach these families, to rebuild their homes and rebuild their confidence, letting them know that they are loved and supported. Students will build and repair dozens of homes wrecked by Hurricane Katrina. They will help to repair damaged roofs and siding, lay new foundations, hang drywall, and build wheelchair accessible ramps and decks.

More important than the actual work, students will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the families that have gone through an unimaginable natural disaster. Time and time again we see students develop close relationships with these residents - relationships that change both their lives forever.

After four days of hard work, students wrap the week up with an awesome free day on a Ship Island Boat Cruise! Students enjoy an hour long cruise to Ship Island where they spend the day relaxing on the beach, playing sand-football and reflecting on the incredible ways God worked through them during the week.

The Mississippi mission trip gives students an amazing opportunity to meet the serious physical needs of a broken community while spreading God’s love and forgiveness.

Please join us in the continual efforts for long-term Katrina assistance!

Cost: $399