Locals help rebuild a Hattiesburg home

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - A group of volunteers from Purvis United Methodist Church helped rebuild a house on Roby Street that was damaged by the devastating EF-3 tornado that hit in January.

Volunteer, Erin Hensarling said, "This woman is put in a rough situation where a tornado came and destroyed her house. She didn't have anywhere to go. And if that happened to me, I would want somebody to help me too. So, I think that's what our whole mission trip is about: helping people in need."

The volunteers were siding and roofing the house, and majority of them said they have never done this type of work before.

"I learned that I can be helpful no matter what I used to think about myself. 'Like no, I'm not a helpful person.' But actually, I am. I'm learning how to take down and put on shingles, and how to balance on a roof," said volunteer, Jordan West.

Volunteer, David West said, "It's wonderful to see how well they want to help out and be a part of this. Their eagerness, their ambition, and their willing heart is wonderful to see isn't it?”

R3SM officials said the house is expected to be finished by early August.