Back Bay Mission: Mississippi Gulf Coast Continuum of Care
Homeless Agency Celebrates 2nd Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina

The signs of devastation caused by the worst natural disaster in the United States still spot the landscape and can be seen in the litter scattered about, slabs of concrete where homes once stood, streets without street signs, clothing wrapped around a high tree branch, villages of FEMA trailers throughout town, the presence of large construction equipment and earth movers, condemned buildings not yet torn down and so much more that reminds us all of another time. Yet there are also signs of progress, perseverance in the aftermath.

This photo shows what was left of the seventh building that had served as a vital hub for Mission operations prior to the storm.

Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi received substantial damage when Hurricane Katrina struck on August 29, 2005. Six of the organization's seven buildings were destroyed; the seventh building sustained major damage. To date, the seventh building, which was the facility �hub� of the organization, has been repaired and was occupied again in late February 2007. This building houses all administrative staff and program staff for the organization. A $2 million dollar capital project awaits Back Bay Mission to replace other structures lost to the hurricane, due to commence fall.

This photo shows the seventh building after rebuilding and recovery in late February 2007, to function once again as the facility �hub� of the organization.

Back Bay Mission operates two Supportive Housing Programs (SHP) utilizing HUD funds. The first includes seven scattered leased units of housing for individuals or families who are HUD homeless and suffer from some form of disability. This program also includes outreach services, through which street outreach and other outreach is performed. The Mental Health Association of South Mississippi is a sub-recipient of HUD funds through this first SHP grant, providing outreach services only. The second SHP program operated by Back Bay Mission includes seven scattered leased units for chronically homeless individuals. Case management services are also provided by the program. Both projects fall under the umbrella of Back Bay Mission's Home At Last program. Both projects are currently at full capacity, with a waiting list of potential candidates in place.