During the site session to the Mississippi Coast, you will experience Hurricane Katrina’s ground zero. Bay St. Louis and Waveland collectively form the small coastal community with an amazingly diverse makeup that was completely devastated by Katrina’s wrath. But, she was no match for the resiliency of these towns. Prior to Katrina, Hancock County was the fastest growing county in Mississippi, filled with promise and prosperity. Katrina was cause to pause. If nothing else, Katrina showed us all that humanity does prevail. Everyone from all walks of life now had the same story, the same tragedy, and it seemed as if everyone banded together with a firm resolve to build the community back. Participants will celebrate the progress and success of the rebuilding effort in Hancock County and interact with local business and community leaders to discuss the current state and future plans.
Note: This site session will require approximately 2 hours round-trip travel time, a part of which will be programmed.
Session organizers: Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Hancock Housing Resource Center, and Hancock Community Development Foundation with NeighborWorks America
Speakers: Les Fillingame (invited), Mayor of Bay St. Louis; Tommy Longo (invited), Mayor of Waveland; Wendy McDonald, Bay Waveland Habitat for Humanity and Bay St. Louis City Councilperson; Rhonda Rhodes, Hancock Housing Resource Center; Tish Williams, Hancock Chamber and Hancock Community Development Foundation
Katrina @ Five: Partners in Philanthropy 