Announcing an opportunity for three or four more alumni to join MHS students in Biloxi, MS from June 22 to 27, 2008. Spouses are also welcome.  MHS is sending 5 students and 2 staff members.  The MHS student crew is being led by Don Hoffer, MHS Construction Instructor.   We are in the process of planning an Alumni Crew to work with the MHS crew.

The crew will be helping to rebuild the flood damaged home of a needy family.  “PROJECT REHAB” has been affiliated with Habitat for Humanity, supported by many foundations, churches, companies and non-profits and has completely rebuilt over 60 homes in Biloxi since hurricane Katrina.  This is a wonderful experience for students and Alumni alike.  Tools and instruction are provided.  Housing and food are available for a voluntary contribution of $10 per day. The biggest expense to participate is simply getting there.  For more information contact the Alumni crew coordinator, Bill Schlegel at schlegew@comcast.net. 

Poject Background

The 2005 hurricane season impacted hundreds of thousands of Gulf area residents,
and damaged or destroyed tens of thousands of homes belonging to low income
families without flood insurance.

In July 2006, several Chapter members participated in a project coordinated by Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia to rebuild a flood damaged house in Biloxi, MS. The house belonged to a low income family living in a FEMA trailer. The crew was able to finish the house and welcome the owner back to what was much like a brand new home.

Since then, MHSAA Washington Chapter members joined several other organizations in helping to sponsor the cost of materials to rebuild another house in Biloxi in April 2007. Over $20,000 was raised.  Six MHS student volunteers and two MHS staff joined Bill Schlegel in Biloxi as part of a Northern Virginia Habitat for Humanity crew in April 2007. The MHS crew started the rebuilding effort for the sponsored house. Several other crews followed, completing the house in June 2007.   It was an enjoyable and very meaningful experience for all.

One MHS Class of 2007 graduate returned to the Gulf in June 2007, working as a volunteer there for a month before heading off to collage.  Three of the students on the April 2007 trip, returned as part of an MHS student crew in June 2007, working there for another week. 

Would you like?

• Some Fun in the Sun with minimal creature features?
• A chance to practice your “Harry or Harriet the home owner skills” on someone else’s house?
• to spend a week working with some of the most wonderful people you would every want to meet?
• a chance to get to know and hang out with some terrific MHS Spartans?
• an opportunity to help someone in need in a very big way?

If so, this is the summer vacation for you.  Make a reservation to be part of the MHSAA/MHS – Biloxi/Project Rehab crew for June 22 to June 27.