House to spotlight Katrina victims' plight
Before August 2005, Pass Christian, Miss., Mayor Chipper McDermott knew little about the Chicago area, and nothing about Barrington.
McDermott knew those nasty Chicago Bears wanted to hurt that nice local boy, Brett Favre, who grew up a few towns down before he joined the Green Bay Packers.
The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina changed McDermott's perception, as the Aug. 29, 2005, storm almost destroyed the 6-mile-long, 1-mile-wide town of about 4,000. Only 400 of the 2,600 homes were left livable in the 318-year-old coastal town.
But the country responded with an outpouring of support. Among those who helped the most were the people of Illinois, McDermott said Monday. The city of Naperville, Pass Christian's sister city, raised $450,000 to rebuild 20 homes, and now more than 150 Barrington-area residents want to chip in.
"I'll tell you right now Southern hospitality takes a back seat to Midwestern hospitality," McDermott said.
Barrington resident Mike Bremeneour is leading the charge to help replace the homes destroyed in the storm. They've started a charity -- Compassion Cottages -- and are looking for the public's support.
One part of their plan is the construction of a 250-square-foot modular home that will tour nationally, to help solicit donations to the cause. Eventually the trailer will make its way down to Mississippi to house a Katrina victim.
The trailer was unveiled Monday, and is on display at Main and Hough streets. McDermott and others -- including Leisha Pickering, wife of Mississippi Congressman Chip Pickering -- stood outside the cold street corner, unaccustomed to seeing their breath in the cold Midwestern air, but warmed by the charitable efforts of local residents and churches.
"The people of Illinois have been absolutely fantastic to us," McDermott said.
The trailer's insides will be decorated with photos of storm victims. The victims need help more than ever, Pickering said, and the focus is now on the long-term future, she said.
Barrington Village President Karen Darch also was on hand and presented McDermott with a key to the village.
"This project is really something off the charts in terms of community outreach," she said.
A June visit down to Pass Christian motivated and angered Bremeneour. He saw firsthand the shoddy living conditions, including the insides of FEMA-provided trailers.
"It was like they were dogs," he said.
Bremeneour, a member of Willow Creek Community Church, knew the victims deserved better, and his faith mandated that he help. And so Compassion Cottages was born, bringing members from nine area churches together.
He eventually met the Rev. Ramsey Gilchrist, of Family Restoration Coalition based in Arlington, Va. Gilchrist's group is working to build full-sized homes for 300 families, with three of them finished and set to close Jan. 12.
Gilchrist suggested that Bremeneour build a trailer that would tour the country. People would see the tiny living spaces most victims were condemned to, Gilchrist reasoned, which could lead to donations and more help.
Bremeneour said it took about six months to finish the trailer. It's nicer than a typical FEMA trailer. It includes hardwood floors, new appliances and a bathroom with a shower. Bremeneour said it cost about $25,000, which came from private donations and other efforts including the sale of Compassion Cottage bracelets made by a Barrington girl.
Eventually the trailer will be towed to Indianapolis and continue on a national tour to remind the entire country of the plight of the Katrina victims.
Bremeneour isn't sure how long the trailer will remain in Barrington, but he said if anyone is interested in seeing the inside, or if they want to help, they can e-mail him at info@compassioncottage.org. Those who want to help the cause can visit compassioncottages.org.
"I've met so many people through this," he said, with tears in his eyes. "I'll never forget them."