Graham Houston, Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Kansas City board president, headed to Hammond, Louisiana this week to help with flood recovery efforts. Graham was joined by Doug Walker and Bill Geary, who traveled to Louisiana as part of a Parkville Presbyterian Church Mission Trip to support recovery efforts carried out by two great organizations, Fuller Center for Housing and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

This area suffered a 500 year flood and a 1,000 year flood in 2016. According to Tamara Chance Danel, head of the local Fuller Center for Housing (Ginger Ford Northshore Fuller Center), it is estimated 150,000 homes were damaged in Louisiana last year. By contrast Harvey damaged 114,000 homes.

Graham and the guys worked at the Wagner’s home. Graham had worked on the home in April with FCH board members Linda Myers and Randy Smith. The first three days, they spent helping with patching drywall, touching up paint, installing ceiling fan blades, and repairing plumbing. They also transported extra sheet rock to a warehouse in Independence, Louisiana, grouted backsplash tile, replumbed a bathroom faucet, and secured and caulked three toilets. One of the local team members said, “God knew who we needed to finish up the Wagner’s house and he sent us you guys. We are definitely blessed to have you.”

On day 4, After relocating the rest of the drywall Graham and the crew spent the rest of the day building a wheelchair ramp for Mr. Banick in Tickfaw, LA.

The recovery from all natural disasters continues – one family, one home at a time. We are very proud of Graham and all the volunteers who spent the week in Louisiana helping families!