Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast on August 29th, 2005. It was the largest natural disaster in U. S. history.

Hancock County, Mississippi was one of the hardest hit areas. More than 19,000 people lived in areas that received significant damage. 70% of all housing in the county was either damaged or destroyed. The debris removed from Hancock County could fill 150 football fields 50 feet high.

While reports show that the economy of the Gulf Coast is rebounding, they indicate that one area that still lags behind is the availability of affordable housing. HFH Bay-Waveland Area is partnering with several other agencies (like United Way, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community Foundaiton and many others) to help address the issues that affect the housing crisis in the Hancock County.

Since 2006, HFH Bay-Waveland Area has partnered with more than 3,500 volunteers, families, donors, sponsors and friends to build approximately 115 homes in Hancock County.

While we're happy with our progress, there is much work that remains. Throughout the Gulf Coast, Habitat needs approximately 600 volunteers each day.