Mark Bertrand, founder of the Giving Circle Inc., said there are still thousands of people living in tool sheds and campers in the sister city of Saratoga Springs.
“Three years later and its not getting much better,” he said.
This will be Bertrand’s 15th trip down to Waveland.
Bertrand is excited to have David Gadomski owner of DSG Remodeling and four of his crew going down this time. The group will be working on the home of 76-year-old June Ladner.
“It is absolutely huge having Dave and his crew come down with us,” Bertrand said. “Having these skilled workers will make it so much easier.”
Bertrand said traveling in Waveland is like driving through Ballston Spa, but having 95 percent of the buildings destroyed.
Bertrand said Waveland is the poorest county, in the poorest state and that was prior to the hurricane.
The outside shell of Ladner’s house is almost done, but the plumbing, electric and everything inside needs to be completed. She has been living in a FEMA camper and recently fell and broke several ribs, according to Bertrand.
“Her new home was started, but the group never came to finish it in December,” Bertrand said. “We want to get her into her house.”
Bertrand said anyone interested in volunteering or donating money can contact him through the Web site, www.thegivingcircle.org. He said gift cards to Lowe’s or Wal-Mart would be appreciated too.
“If we can get one thousand people to donate a $5 gift card, that’s $5,000,” Bertrand said.
He said she needs everything from towels, dishes, curtains, etc. He said they have several volunteers, but more is always needed.
“It is a life changing trip,” Bertrand said.
He said it is an inexpensive trip, but you get something so much more valuable out of it.
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