Mississippi Volunteer Information

More than 1000 Unitarian Universalist volunteers have visited the Gulf Coast since the inception of the Hurricane Relief & Social Justice Project of the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge. The program has since been adopted by UUA and UUSC.

The Gulf Coast has a moderate climate that is almost subtropical. While winters may be mild at times, cold snaps do occur. Summers are hot and humid and last sometimes until late October. In the summer months, work hours may be restricted to early morning and evening.

What kind of work is available: Mississippi has opportunities for physical labor, community organizing and professional and administrative support of UUA/UUSC funded partners. There is particular need for bi-lingual volunteers, experienced construction workers, and licensed plumbers and electricians.

Accommodations: There are several volunteer camps in Mississippi where volunteers will be placed. Each camp is unique in its cost, facilities, and amenities. Volunteers coming to Mississippi will be placed depending on age of volunteers, number of volunteers in the group, and the projects available for the group's skill-set. Personal bedding must be brought to all camps.

Biloxi - Hands On Network. Cost: $15 per night, covers food and board. One air conditioned and heated building and tent field. Four showers, 6 toilets, computer bank for volunteer use, bunk beds. Tents may be avilable upon arrival on a first-come basis. Age limits: Age 18 and up.

Gulfport - North Gulfport Volunteer Camp. Cost: $10 per night, covers food and board. Two buildings, one air conditioned. Six showers, 2 toilets. Age limits: 18 and older.

Long Beach - Camp Coast Care. Cost: $20 per night, covers food and board. Age limits: Age 16 and up, 1:3 adult-to-youth ratio required. Capacity: 125

Kiln - Camp Coastal Outpost. Cost: $15 per night, covers food and board. Families welcome. Age limits: 14 and up, 1:2 adult-to-youth ratio required; 16-17, 1:3 adult-to-youth ratio required. Capacity: 350.

Pasagoula - Union Baptist Church. No cost but volunteers are responsible for their own meals. One air conditioned building, two mens showers, two womens, four toilets, small lockers available (must bring own lock). Age limits: Age 14-15, 1:2 adult-to-youth ratio required; 16-17, 1:3 adult-to-youth ratio required.

Coastal Conditions: All of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has electricity and clean drinking water. For current weather conditions, visit The Biloxi Sun Herald.

Tourism in Mississippi: Before Katrina, tourism on the Coast generated was a large portion of Mississippi’s state revenue. Your support of area restaurants and businesses will help aid in the local recovery. Many of the beaches have reopened and kayak and canoe rentals are available, as are fishing and swamp tours. Many casinos have reopened in Biloxi, offering fine restaurants and headliner shows. Gulf Islands Waterpark in Gulfport is open during the summer. In addition, New Orleans is only an hour and a half away, so an afternoon trip to the largely unaffected French Quarter is well within reach. Visit Mississippi Department of Tourism.

Each morning we must hold out the chalice of our being to receive, to carry, and then give back.
—Dag Hammarskjold