This ratio is to ensure each team is capable of performing and accomplishing some aspect of the construction process while retaining quality work. If a team consists of a high ratio of high school or junior high age kids, we would suggest an even greater number of skilled to unskilled team members so this goal can be reached. It does no good for the residents or our ministry to perform substandard work.

Moving farther away from Katrina, the work has shifted from clean up and gutting to rebuilding damaged houses and the ground-up construction of new homes. In order for Lagniappe to continue participating in the restoration of this community, we need teams to bring the skills necessary for rebuilding. What is lacking in Bay Saint Louis is adequate or affordable contractors, electricians, plumbers, etc to rebuild. Recruiting a contractor or even paying a contractor to come with the team for a week is what the Bay needs and what Lagniappe needs in order to continue serving and producing quality work.

Teams are INCOMPLETE until skilled labor, according to the above definition, is a part of that team in a 1 to 6 ratio.

Contractors, Electricians, Plumbers, and handymen PLEASE bring your tools and/or trucks with supplies on them. BRING ALL TOOLS THAT YOU WOULD BE FRUSTRATED NOT TO HAVE ON THE WORKSITE.

Question: What kind of work will we be doing?

This is probably one of the most frequently asked questions we receive. After you check in, go through orientation, and have a good night's sleep, morning will come and it will be time for your group to go to work. There are a variety of things your group might be doing. Our mission is to participate in the restoration of the Mississippi Gulf Coast through the declaration and demonstration of the love of God shown to us in Christ Jesus. Currently, this is best demonstrated through repairing and rebuilding homes for residents of the area. This could encompass a broad spectrum of activities which include, but are not limited to- drywalling, mudding, taping, finishing, framing, roofing, painting, insulating, digging a foundation, tiling, clearing debris, helping at the LPC facility, working to move furniture at a local school, spreading fill dirt, mixing mortar, cleaning bunkhouses.... or anything else that would fulfill our mission.

We know that it is important to you for your group to know exactly what you will be doing when you arrive in Bay St. Louis. We do understand your desire to know that well in advance, but the truth is, we don't know exactly what your group will be doing until just a few days before you arrive. The work your crew will do is contingent on the skills and abilities of the groups working prior to your group and the work that will be finished in the days immediately prior to your arrival. If you have professionals (licensed plumbers, electricians or contractors) we will do everything in our power to match your specific work with your professional skills, but even the pros know that the electrical can’t be done until the framing is up and the drywall can’t be done until the electrical has passed code. ALL of these contingencies hinge upon the work done immediately prior to your arrival.

If you would like to discuss your specific skills with Lagniappe then email Jordan Sikkema or  Ruth Friant. They can help you figure out some things your team might be doing, as well as what tools to bring. However, if your trip is several months away, please do not call until 2 weeks prior to arrival. At that time they might be able to map out what your group will be working on. Our reservations director, Cammie Chapman has NO IDEA what work your group will be doing. Her knowledge is limited to calendars, numbers and reservations.