Project Reclaim has been in action since just weeks after Hurricane Katrina. But the story begins before that.

After several towns in Indiana were wiped out by a tornado in 1992, groups of Mennonite relief workers made a 2-year commitment to rebuild the towns. So touched by the gesture, American Baptist Churches IN/KY decided that they would “pay it forward”. They raised funds and put together a trailer of tools that would be required in the event of a national emergency. They prayed about where to send this trailer and their support. Only weeks later, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast. The relief workers of American Baptist Churches IN/KY knew immediately that their efforts had been prepared to serve the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

In September of 2005 ABC IN/KY opened a volunteer camp, Project Reclaim, in the heart of Pass Christian, Mississippi.  Efforts were initially run out of a field with tents and RV’s, focusing on disaster clean up.  After months of simply removing rubble and debris, salvaged homes began to be ready for renovations.  With volunteer groups coming in from all over the country, Project Reclaim helped restore Pass Christian home by home. 

A grant from One Great Hour of Sharing allowed Project Reclaim, now under the leadership of American Baptist Churches of Greater Indianapolis, to begin building new homes. Homes are built for landowners and victims of Katrina who have funds for materials. This funding often comes through grants, or else SBA (Small Business Administration) loans. Labor is furnished by volunteers from all over the country.

Project Reclaim’s project coordinators act as the general contractors for each home, and coordinate the efforts of volunteers’ involvement. Skilled volunteers are in high demand, but even those without construction skills are able to serve the community. The housing of volunteers and volunteer coordination will continue into 2009.