Call For Volunteers--Arlington Response To Katrina (ARK)

Arlington has joined forces with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia to enter into a Community Rebuilding Partnership with Biloxi, Mississippi.  To date, volunteers from Arlington and Northern Virginia have remediated 30 homes in Biloxi, seven of which have been completely restored to livable conditions. County Board member Jay Fisette will personally lead an Arlington volunteer delegation from May 30 – June 2.  With your help, we can realize the goal of helping the neediest homeowners in East Biloxi, Mississippi rebuild their homes.

Please consider taking part in the Arlington delegation.  No specialized construction skills are needed.  The cost is minimal and the experience itself has been described as life-changing.  Thank you for your consideration!

Who:   Volunteers in good health able to travel to Biloxi, Mississippi

What:  Arlington volunteer delegation led by County Board Member Jay Fisette

Where: East Biloxi, Mississippi

When: Habitat crews will be rotated throughout the May 12 – June 2 timeframe. The ideal time commitment is one week, but volunteers are welcome to stay for shorter or longer periods. Arlington County Board Member Jay Fisette will be in Biloxi from May 30 – June 2.

Why:   The number one need in the Gulf Coast is housing!

How:   To participate in the Arlington volunteer delegation, please email Robert Sharpe at the Arlington County Department of Human Servicesor (or call him at 703-228-1762).

Lodging and meals are provided by churches in Biloxi. A $10 per day donation is requested to help offset the cost of meals. Volunteers are responsible for providing their own transportation to/from Biloxi. It is about 16 driving hours by car or about $250-$350 by air.  Habitat for Humanity missions are ongoing throughout 2006.  If you can’t join the upcoming Arlington delegation but want to volunteer later in the year with Habitat for Humanity, please email Jennifer Guerra or call at (703) 521‐9890 ext.105.