About Us
Our History
Restoring faith, home and community, in the name of Jesus, to Katrina survivors
Long-Term Recovery
For the individual, the recovery process has had many obstacles: obstinate insurance companies, unscrupulous contractors, material shortages and endless government bureaucracy, just to name a few. In 2009 only a few volunteer camps remain open, yet thousands of families are still struggling to return home. Estimates place the recovery effort at taking a decade or longer. In New Orleans alone, the number of blighted properties and empty lots are estimated at 65,000.
Mindful of the continuing need, RAI Ministries was transformed in 2008 from a short-term disaster-relief organization to a long-term, sustainable ministry that continues to connect volunteers from around the nation with opportunities to help restore faith, home and community in the Name of Jesus to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
In August 2008 the Southern District granted complete legal separation to RAI Ministries, which now operates as an independent 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. This was immediately followed by a figuratively and literally turbulent time as Hurricane Gustav hit the Louisiana coast while a major organizational restructuring was taking place. RAI emerged from the fall of 2008 with a renewed focus on three functions: 1. Housing volunteers at Camp Biloxi and Camp Restore; 2. Equipping and empowering them to restore faith, home and community; and 3. Providing case management support to ensure that Katrina survivors’ needs are met as effectively as possible.
RAI is currently in the process of becoming a Recognized Service Organization of LCMS World Relief and Human Care, with the endorsement of the Board of Directors of the Southern District LCMS.
By implementing this plan we believe that RAI Ministries will be able to continue providing “Life Changing” events in the lives of our servant volunteers, in the lives of those we serve, and in the life of the church at large for many years to come.
May God continue to use us all in this good work!
Rev. Dave Buss, Executive Director