When: Sunday, February 21 to Sunday, February 28, 2010
What: "Blitz Build" project organized by the UCC Back Bay Mission
Where: Staying in the new Back Bay Mission dormitory, and working in or near Biloxi, MS

If you are interested in participating in future Biloxi mission trips, please contact John Rostykus (303) 709-5404 or Gary Kinzie (303) 772-5337.

Background info...

The 2010 trip was similar to past years, with 2 main exceptions: project and lodging.

The UCC Back Bay Mission has completed construction of a volunteer dorm on their property, that houses 40+ volunteers, and has a kitchen facility where we handle our own cooking during the week.  This is similar to last year's setup, and we will purchase groceries for the group for breakfast and lunch.  Dinners will be up to individuals to cook in smaller groups or support the local restaurant economy.

In 2009, the Back Bay Mission completed it's first Blitz Build - basically build an entire house in a week or two.  This was very successful, so they have planned their 2nd Blitz Build to begin the week of February 21st.  At this time, we have reserved 20 slots, and another church has reserved 20 slots.  One scenario has everyone working on one new house that week.  Other scenarios (based on how many people we and they bring, etc.) may include additional projects similar to previous years.  In any case, we are attempting to be involved in the Blitz Build as a new and different experience.

Cost of the trip:

Individual expenses:

Travel
$50 per person for a week of lodging
Dinners
Weekend in New Orleans

Group expenses:

Rental cars/gas
Breakfast/lunch during the week

We currently have some shared funds left over from last year, and will have some fund-rasing projects to add to this pool.  The intended use of the shared funds are to:

1. Help any participant that needs financial support to go on the trip (money should not be the reason to stay home)
2. Defray group expenses
3. Defray lodging
4. Pay for incidental materials used on jobs
5. Defray cost of travel further

For the past 3 years, our fund-raising has covered items 1, 2, 3, and 4.  If we are not able to raise enough funds to cover group expenses, we will ask participants to chip in.