Photo: Rich Cozzone

In recognition of the approximately 2,700 volunteers that have stayed at the Gautier (pronounced “go-shay”) Presbyterian Volunteer Village in Gautier, Mississippi, and in celebration of the 350 homes that have been restored by the volunteers, a Service of Thanksgiving was held on February 28, 2008, as Presbyterian Disaster Assistance announced the closing of the Village.
 
Gautier was the first of six Presbyterian Volunteer Villages to be established in the Gulf Coast to house volunteers from across the United States to help with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita rebuilding efforts.

Funds from the First Presbyterian Church in Midland, Texas, made it possible to purchase the initial set of the now familiar blue and white pods that have come to identify a Presbyterian Volunteer Village. Volunteers from National Capital Presbytery set up the village on the side yard and adjacent soccer field of the Gautier Presbyterian Church with approval of the session and Pastor Chris Bullock.  Gautier was dedicated by Moderator Rick Ufford-Chase on Tuesday, September 13, 2005.  The village later moved to its present location on a field off Martin Bluff Road.

In 2006, members of the band 3 Doors Down presented Presbyterian Disaster Assistance with a check for $75,000. The Gautier home of the band’s guitar player, Chris Henderson, took on six feet of water from Hurricane Katrina, and every member of the group had at least one family member directly impacted by the storm.

After being impressed with the effectiveness and efficiency of the Gautier Presbyterian Volunteer Village, the band’s spokesman, Mark Smith, specified that funds were earmarked for use only by volunteers working out of the Gautier Presbyterian Volunteer Village.
 
At the time of the gift, a comment was made that “If local people are saying that this is a place they want to put their money, then it validates the kind of wonderful work and ministry that is happening in the Gulf.”

Five Presbyterian Volunteer Villages remain open, including a one the recently opened in New Orleans.  The self-contained “villages” each house and dispatch about 90 volunteers who come from across the U.S. and typically stay for seven to 14-day shifts. Presbyterian Volunteer Villages and the commitments of the whole church are essential components for the continued rebuilding and long-term recovery needs in the Gulf Coast.