Katrina Relief: MHCC's Chapter

At 7:00 AM. CDT on August 29^th 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit land as a category 4 hurricane with the levee in New Orleans breaking mere hours later. From this point on everyone knows the disaster that ensued. Katrina is estimated to be responsible for $75 billion in damages, making it the costliest hurricane in United States history; the storm has killed 1,418 people, becoming the deadliest U.S. hurricane since the 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane. In much the same vigor and enthusiasm, the citizens of this great country followed up with unprecedented support, matched only in recent times in the wake of 9/11. Both on the private and commercial level, millions upon millions were donated to help with the relief effort.


Months have passed, and for the most part Katrina has dropped out of the media, excluding the media spun political fiasco. However, there is still a need. Some would say even greater a need now, with thousands of residents of that region feeling abandoned and desolate. And it is here, that Mt Hood Community Colleges chapter in this heart wrenching story begins. Inspired by the personal stories of individuals who have experienced the post-Katrina New Orleans first hand a dream developed, and through this dream, a way appeared to make this dream a reality.

Campus Crusade for Christ, teaming with FEMA and Habitat For Humanity, created a platform to allow thousands of university students to converge upon the Gulf Coast not to party, but to serve people in need. They gave the opportunity for students from fraternities, sororities, athletic teams, religious groups, churches, and other student clubs to travel to New Orleans, Louisiana to help with the ongoing Katrina relief effort. The total cost of the camp including shelter and food, excluding airfare, only $30, just going to show how much of a need there is not for money, but for hands to do the work.

But our chapter in this story is just beginning. The brunt of the planning has been completed. Our prayers have been answered beyond belief with a truly amazing response on campus. 45 well-intentioned individuals showed up to our informational meeting on February 15th. By the end of the meeting 35 expressed extreme interest, with a jaw-dropping 21 individuals willing to sacrifice their spring break by following through and committing, with very short notice due to airline reservation time contraints, to this adventure. We managed to secure a group rate for fairly cheap tickets of only $400. But cheap is relative, especially in the context of college students. Many thanks goes out to all the individuals backing these students. I could tell many heart-warming stories of the financial support people have provided to make the trip affordable for us, but that's for another time.

We will be shipping out March 25th bright and early. Check in regularly for updates, as well as for pictures and first hand stories from Post-Katrina New Orleans following the trip. God Bless.

Through Christ Alone,

David Knepprath

P.S. Much thanks to the Corban College Katrina Relief team for the inspiration, as well as the heart wrenching pictures.

Up and Running

Welcome to all. This is our brand new blog for Campus Crusade for Christ at Mount Hood Community College. Enjoy. More info to come.