Disaster Relief

AUMC began forming disaster relief teams in 2004 after Hurricane Ivan. When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, our efforts increased considerably. Thanks to the generous donations of our congregation and an increase in our operating budget, AUMC's disaster response team mobilized quickly after the storm. A tool trailer, which rivals most conference trailers, was purchased and filled with donated tools. AUMC began sending teams in November and we have sent at least one team per month since.

AUMC also received a mobile home as a donation. Our Work Area on Missions outfitted the mobile home with bunk beds and it now serves as lodging for our teams. It is located in Biloxi MS. Most of our trips are short term to accommodate work schedules. Teams typically depart from Auburn on Friday and return on Sunday. Longer trips are available depending on the team. No experience is required and all are welcome.

Trip Format

Friday: Teams assemble at AUMC at 2:30pm. We will load vehicles, pray, and leave at 3:00 p.m. Teams stop in Mobile, AL, have dinner, then continue on to Biloxi, MS. Once we arrive we unpack, have a devotional, and lights out.

Saturday: We eat breakfast, (Bring your own breakfast with you), and are ready to leave by 7:45 a.m. We will go to the Disaster Relief Office get our work orders and work all day. For dinner we can either eat out or grill out, then devotional and lights out.

Sunday: We eat breakfast and resume work by 8:00 a.m. We then go to worship, have lunch, and continue work that afternoon. Departure time is determined by the workload and the team leader.

Costs

There is a fee of $25 per person that covers lodging and a t-shirt. You will be responsible for you meals and fuel. We will carpool in our private vehicles. Each carpool will divide their fuel costs. If you ride in the tow vehicle there is a $15 fee for fuel payable to AUMC. For teams other than AUMC teams the cost for lodging is $75 per night.

Items to bring: Bible, camera, bedding, sunscreen, towel, gloves, work clothes, breakfast food, personal hand tools/belt (if you prefer, but tools will be provided), release and medical forms (must be turned in before we leave AUMC).