Homes for the Holidays!
Lagniappe is partnering with Home Depot to make your donation dollars go farther! Each item below is standard in all LPC homes, but they are not inexpensive. If Lagniappe can raise the initial $2,500 dollars, we can purchase these items at Home Depot for a significantly reduced price!! When you “purchase”* of any of the below items, the money goes directly into a separate fund for the homes listed below. That money will then go directly to Home Depot—purchasing the components these families need. This season, give the gift of Homes and Hope!!
Home Owner Biographies
Miss Donna in amid her new home constructionDonna Skinner is a native of Kansas, but has lived in Bay St. Louis for most of her life. Like many, she lost everything in Katrina, and decided to move back to Kansas with her family. She used her insurance money to purchase a home, and enjoyed time with her daughter and granddaughter. However, Donna discovered that her daughter suffered in an abusive relationship and brought both she and her granddaughter to live in her new home. Donna’s heart was called back to her home and the life she loved in Bay St. Louis, and so she sold her home to her daughter and granddaughter, though it will be several years before her daughter recovers enough to begin making regular payments to Donna on the house. Donna is a baker by trade, and currently works at the Hancock High School cafeteria. She is anxious to have her own kitchen back; cookies and cakes are her specialty! 
Mr. Necais' TrailerScott Necaise grew up in Bay St. Louis, and like many others, lost his home in Hurricane Katrina. Upon his return he purchased a mobile home, which was unfortunately in severe disrepair. In addition to serious foundation issues, the mold causes Mr. Necaise to suffer chronic respiratory illness. Loosing everything is difficult, and being cheated after loosing everything caries with it a strong sense of betrayal. Scott owns his own property, and has begun building a home with the help of LPC. Scott has a deep love for music, and has held mini "concerts" for several LPC volunteer teams during the work day.
Mr. Moore with his new home in the backgroundErnest Moore moved to Bay St. Louis, prior to Katrina, to help his elderly mother. He and his mother stayed in their home through Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Moore and his mother were forced to break through their roof to escape the rapidly rising flood waters. They lived in their carport for several weeks, at which point his mother moved to Moss Point. Mr. Moore did not receive a FEMA trailer for a full 2 months. Mr. Moore's children are currently living with their mother in New Orleans--prevented from staying with Mr. Moore because he does not have a home. Rising gas prices make visits to New Orleans almost impossible, and he misses his children. Mr. Moore's greatest desire is a place for his children. LPC began construction of Mr. Moore’s house this summer, and sheet rock is currently being installed. 
Linda Rich and DaughterLynda Rich (left) is a disabled, single parent and the sole caretaker for her 40 year-old daughter, who suffers a severe mental retardation. Their mobile home was destroyed in Katrina, both by rising flood waters and a tree which fell on top. Lynda also lost a car and a truck to the storm. Her disability and the need to care for her daughter have made it impossible for Lynda to find employment, and as their living expenses are equal to their fixed income, there is very little they can do to rebuild. Several agencies are hoping to work together in order to restore Ms. Lynda and her daughter to the stable home environment that they had before the storm.
Leatrice CainLeatrice Cain, like many after Hurricane Katrina, has tried to recover on her own. She was born and raised in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, moving to Dallas, Texas for college. She remained there and worked with mentally handicapped children for 30 years. Strong family ties drew her back to Bay St. Louis after the death of her mother--staying to care for her elderly father. She currently works with the Early Intervention program at the Health Department--assessing developmental needs in young children and helping families find appropriate treatment. Leatrice used what funding she received after Katrina to repair and stabilize the damaged structure of her home, as well as replace immediate needs items. She still needs funding to rewire the interior, repair the heating and cooling system, and repair the walls and ceilings. If she can obtain the necessary funding, Leatrice’s home is only a few months away from completion!! 
The Davis Home Under ConstructionMr. and Mrs. Davis have lived in the same house in Bay St. Louis since 1979. The original home was salvaged after Katrina and is currently under repair. Mr. Davis works full time at Walmart, and his wife is a waitress at a local casino. Their daughter (Jewell) is 22 and works for WLOX-TV (a local TV station), and their 21 year old son (William Jr.) is a part-time student at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. William Jr. suffers from a rare blood abnormality and is waiting to find a donor for a bone marrow transplant, this currently renders him unable to work. William Davis, the father, also faces medical complications associated with living in a trailer. The roof and exterior walls of their house are complete, but the interior is still primarily studs. The Davis family needs flooring and light fixtures which will be installed after the sheet-rock is painted. Lynne Brown is a retired nurse in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, whose home was badly damaged by Katrina. She used what grant money she received to begin repairs—completing the gut out, re-leveling, repairing of the foundation, re-roofing, reframing, and installing all windows, doors, and HVAC. She uses all left over money each month for building supplies; but medical bills resulting a back injury have made recovery a slow process. Her home is very near completion, but Ms. Brown needs the funding to purchase the remaining building materials!