Mississippi Coast 2008

Trip description:

Three students and a University Minister went to Biloxi, Mississippi for Spring Break 2008. We worked with Project REHAB of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia. Along with other volunteer groups, the UDM crew assisted with building a house in East Biloxi. Our work included hanging drywall, siding, soffit, window framing, and general construction work. The week also included a local orientation, dinner in Long Beach, MS with an UDM alum, and a visit to New Orleans' French Quarter. Accommodations were at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Biloxi.

What students had to say about the trip:

"I learned that we need to be aware of our perspectives if we want to change ourselves and others. The trip was so much fun. I would recommend it for all students who want to understand the world we live in." ~Erica Moccia

"The part of the trip that stuck out to me the most is the many problems that you don't see. During a tour [of Biloxi] we saw neighborhoods with damaged houses or no houses left or just foundations but we really didn't see all the other problems that go deeper like health care, financial problems, and where the [people]are going to live while their house is being built." ~Heather Distelrath