Housing Recovery/Work Camping

This program is one of Back Bay Mission’s trademarks within the United Church of Christ. Back Bay Mission has developed a highly successful style of work camping based on experiential learning. While the “work” in work camping has become more intense and the term “housing recovery” more appropriate since Hurricane Katrina, BBM’s model of work camping is more in demand than ever. It places equal emphasis on productivity (home rehabilitation or construction) and learning, using an action-reflection model. This powerful method helps people internalize their learning at the same time they build cohesive caring groups.

From serving approximately 20 work teams per year, the program has grown to hosting 40 teams as the Mission, along with many other organizations, responds to the overwhelming need for housing restoration. Work teams perform a wide range of tasks – from mold abatement to roofing to installing dry wall to electrical and plumbing work. When a Mission selects a home to restore, it commits to completing the project. The effort frequently requires many weeks’ work by several different work teams.

Grants from the cities of Biloxi and Gulfport for home restoration have helped the Mission give back houses to homeowners who lack the financial resources to complete the projects on their own.

2010-2011 Work Camp/Housing Recovery Volunteer Schedule

Contact: Volunteer Coordinator