R3SM receives generous support from community to continue recovery efforts

This is a press release from R3SM.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - R3SM (Recover Rebuild Restore Southeast Mississippi) coordinates restoration, rebuilding, and disaster recovery services to low income families and individuals living in South Mississippi's Pinebelt. The nonprofit was founded in 2006 as a long-term recovery agency to assist and support victims of Hurricane Katrina.

R3SM, Inc. recently revised its mission; to help South Mississippi's Pinebelt's vulnerable RECOVER from natural disasters, substandard housing, economic crisis, and toxic effects of chronic poverty, to REBUILD their homes, communities and lives, and RESTORE their financial stability, dignity, and hope.

Through partnerships with numerous community organizations, R3SM has repaired more than 425 homes and completed almost 20 new constructions. R3SM's major focus now is the recovery efforts following the January 21 tornado of 2017. This has been described as one of the worst Mississippi's disaster since Hurricane Katrina. There were almost 2,000 homes affected by the disaster. We are actively working in 3 federally-declared disaster counties. (Forrest, Lamar and Perry).

Since the tornado there has been an additional 60 cases with needs approved for assistance (rebuilds and repairs). We are working with volunteer groups locally and throughout the nation that are supporting our missions to recover South Mississippi's Pinebelt.

There has been an outpouring of support locally, statewide, and nationally. Mennonite Disaster has committed to volunteer to rebuild 14-20 New Homes from the ground up! Since the tornado there has been over 1,000 volunteers with a total of over 30,000 hours who have dedicated themselves to serve our community. Without their expertise, commitment, and partnership many neighborhoods would not be able to recover.

Today we are celebrating the completion of our second new construction after the tornado! We are thankful to those who have partnered with us which has allowed this family to return to their home. This is a great day for the family and a wonderful day for the Pine Belt!

R3SM, Inc. is always in need of volunteers. If you would like to partner with us to continue the recovery efforts, please contact us at 601-544-5115