It's been four years since Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast, damaging or destroying 70% of the housing stock in Hancock County, Mississippi.

And today, in spite of a struggling economy and the ongoing challenges of hurricane recovery, land is being cleared, houses are being built, mortgage loans are being approved, and families will move into a beautiful new community in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, thanks to dynamic partnerships between Habitat for Humanity Bay-Waveland Area and volunteers, donors, sponsors and friends.

On August 28th HFHBW broke ground on the Habitat Neighborhood at Union Street in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The neighborhood will feature 26 eco-friendly and energy efficient cottage style houses, situated in an attractively landscaped setting. It’s the largest single neighborhood that Habitat has built in Hancock County.

Sixteen units will be specially constructed for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Known as Senior Villas, they will be situated close to the Hancock County Senior Center, where senior citizens will have access to the special programs and services offered by the center.

“We’re excited about the housing niche this neighborhood fills for our senior citizens, disabled residents and others in need of housing here in our community,” said Wendy McDonald, Executive Director for HFH Bay-Waveland Area. “This neighborhood will help some of our fellow citizens to finally afford to come home to a place of their own.”

Initial funding for the Habitat Neighborhood at Union Street has been secured through two primary sources: a $2.3 million dollar grant from Hancock Bank and ECD/HOPE, and a $4.3 million dollar Long Term Workforce Housing Grant awarded by Mississippi Development Authority. While additional funding is being sought, these initial grants have allowed construction to proceed.

The MDA grant calls for the 42 houses to be completed by the end of 2010. For this reason, HFHBW’s need for support from volunteers, donors and friends won’t be diminishing any time soon.

“Since 2006, we’ve been building our capacity to get to this point,” says Wendy McDonald. “Now, with these partnerships in place and with the continued support of volunteers, donors and friends, we’ll make a lasting difference in this community. Come and help build it!”