notes: 9/4/08 Update per PDA Email Newsletter: Houma (Good Earth) – Houma, LA There is as yet no information on the status of Houma. PVV staff will go and do an assessment as soon as they are cleared to visit the area. VOLUNTEERS Our hope is not only to honor all volunteer work team reservations, but to be able to support others responding to Gustav as well. Volunteer teams interested in serving in the Gulf Coast are encouraged to contact the PDA Call Center at 866-732-6121 to pre-register. Penny and the call center volunteers will have information about opportunities to serve as it becomes available. Thanks for your patience while we wait for more information. Please pray for those who have been forced to evacuate, those who are anxious to return to their homes, the leaders and those responding to this crisis. ========================================================= 9/2/08 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance said it "has taken steps to evacuate the Presbyterian Volunteer Villages in Louisiana and Mississippi" and that it "stands ready to respond to Hurricane Gustav." Source: http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3748 =========================================== For Volunteer Coordination please contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org (601) 695-2190 or Penny Noel and the volunteers at the PDA Call Center, (866) 732-6121 You can also register online at: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/register/team.jsp Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. Needs as of December 2007: Greatest needs are for rebuilding and skilled labor such as roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Less skilled volunteers can be helpful in jobs such as scraping and painting. They can also learn from and work alongside skilled volunteers in jobs such as drywall and roofing. Volunteer groups are faced with the challenge of taking more responsibility on the worksite. Groups function most effectively when one of their own can work onsite to delegate tasks and manage the daily activities. Additional information: The Village is in the heart of Cajun country, and volunteers who come learn about the environmental and cultural aspects of the area. They can also get a taste of Cajun cuisine and hospitality. In addition to the time spent on work sites, volunteers help with projects needed to keep the village running smoothly, such as cleaning and organizing. Many volunteers have helped with the construction of a permanent building on site, the result of collaboration among PDA, the local Elks lodge, and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The building has been completed and opened for use in the village. It provides an indoor kitchen with two gas ovens/stoves, range hoods, air-conditioned gathering space, indoor bathroom facilities and a TV that receives local channels. The hall will also be used for community events sponsored by the Elks. -> 9/15/08 LTel: Spoke w/Penny at the PDA Call Ctr. This site is on standby and they are not expecting to get their PODS (military type blue and white tents) back up and the volunteer camp functioning until either Nov. or Dec. of '08. They are diverting all Houma scheduled volunteers to their Luling, LA site just outside of New Orleans. Officially on standby till further notice. =========================================================================== 9/4/08 Update per PDA Email Newsletter: Houma (Good Earth) – Houma, LA There is as yet no information on the status of Houma. PVV staff will go and do an assessment as soon as they are cleared to visit the area. VOLUNTEERS Our hope is not only to honor all volunteer work team reservations, but to be able to support others responding to Gustav as well. Volunteer teams interested in serving in the Gulf Coast are encouraged to contact the PDA Call Center at 866-732-6121 to pre-register. Penny and the call center volunteers will have information about opportunities to serve as it becomes available. Thanks for your patience while we wait for more information. Please pray for those who have been forced to evacuate, those who are anxious to return to their homes, the leaders and those responding to this crisis. ========================================================= 9/2/08 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance said it "has taken steps to evacuate the Presbyterian Volunteer Villages in Louisiana and Mississippi" and that it "stands ready to respond to Hurricane Gustav." Source: http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3748 =========================================== For Volunteer Coordination please contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org (601) 695-2190 or Penny Noel and the volunteers at the PDA Call Center, (866) 732-6121 You can also register online at: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/register/team.jsp Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. Needs as of December 2007: Greatest needs are for rebuilding and skilled labor such as roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Less skilled volunteers can be helpful in jobs such as scraping and painting. They can also learn from and work alongside skilled volunteers in jobs such as drywall and roofing. Volunteer groups are faced with the challenge of taking more responsibility on the worksite. Groups function most effectively when one of their own can work onsite to delegate tasks and manage the daily activities. Additional information: The Village is in the heart of Cajun country, and volunteers who come learn about the environmental and cultural aspects of the area. They can also get a taste of Cajun cuisine and hospitality. In addition to the time spent on work sites, volunteers help with projects needed to keep the village running smoothly, such as cleaning and organizing. Many volunteers have helped with the construction of a permanent building on site, the result of collaboration among PDA, the local Elks lodge, and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The building has been completed and opened for use in the village. It provides an indoor kitchen with two gas ovens/stoves, range hoods, air-conditioned gathering space, indoor bathroom facilities and a TV that receives local channels. The hall will also be used for community events sponsored by the Elks.

name: The Good Earth PDA Volunteer Village (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance / Presbytery of So. LA) -> Good Earth, The - PDA Volunteer Village (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance / Presbytery of So. LA)
main_phone: -> 866-732-6121 (PDA Call Center)
notes: 9/4/08 Update per PDA Email Newsletter: Houma (Good Earth) – Houma, LA There is as yet no information on the status of Houma. PVV staff will go and do an assessment as soon as they are cleared to visit the area. ========================================================= 9/2/08 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance said it "has taken steps to evacuate the Presbyterian Volunteer Villages in Louisiana and Mississippi" and that it "stands ready to respond to Hurricane Gustav." Source: http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3748 =========================================== For Volunteer Coordination please contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org (601) 695-2190 or Penny Noel and the volunteers at the PDA Call Center, (866) 732-6121 You can also register online at: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/register/team.jsp Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. Needs as of December 2007: Greatest needs are for rebuilding and skilled labor such as roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Less skilled volunteers can be helpful in jobs such as scraping and painting. They can also learn from and work alongside skilled volunteers in jobs such as drywall and roofing. Volunteer groups are faced with the challenge of taking more responsibility on the worksite. Groups function most effectively when one of their own can work onsite to delegate tasks and manage the daily activities. Additional information: The Village is in the heart of Cajun country, and volunteers who come learn about the environmental and cultural aspects of the area. They can also get a taste of Cajun cuisine and hospitality. In addition to the time spent on work sites, volunteers help with projects needed to keep the village running smoothly, such as cleaning and organizing. Many volunteers have helped with the construction of a permanent building on site, the result of collaboration among PDA, the local Elks lodge, and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The building has been completed and opened for use in the village. It provides an indoor kitchen with two gas ovens/stoves, range hoods, air-conditioned gathering space, indoor bathroom facilities and a TV that receives local channels. The hall will also be used for community events sponsored by the Elks. -> 9/4/08 Update per PDA Email Newsletter: Houma (Good Earth) – Houma, LA There is as yet no information on the status of Houma. PVV staff will go and do an assessment as soon as they are cleared to visit the area. VOLUNTEERS Our hope is not only to honor all volunteer work team reservations, but to be able to support others responding to Gustav as well. Volunteer teams interested in serving in the Gulf Coast are encouraged to contact the PDA Call Center at 866-732-6121 to pre-register. Penny and the call center volunteers will have information about opportunities to serve as it becomes available. Thanks for your patience while we wait for more information. Please pray for those who have been forced to evacuate, those who are anxious to return to their homes, the leaders and those responding to this crisis. ========================================================= 9/2/08 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance said it "has taken steps to evacuate the Presbyterian Volunteer Villages in Louisiana and Mississippi" and that it "stands ready to respond to Hurricane Gustav." Source: http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3748 =========================================== For Volunteer Coordination please contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org (601) 695-2190 or Penny Noel and the volunteers at the PDA Call Center, (866) 732-6121 You can also register online at: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/register/team.jsp Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. Needs as of December 2007: Greatest needs are for rebuilding and skilled labor such as roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Less skilled volunteers can be helpful in jobs such as scraping and painting. They can also learn from and work alongside skilled volunteers in jobs such as drywall and roofing. Volunteer groups are faced with the challenge of taking more responsibility on the worksite. Groups function most effectively when one of their own can work onsite to delegate tasks and manage the daily activities. Additional information: The Village is in the heart of Cajun country, and volunteers who come learn about the environmental and cultural aspects of the area. They can also get a taste of Cajun cuisine and hospitality. In addition to the time spent on work sites, volunteers help with projects needed to keep the village running smoothly, such as cleaning and organizing. Many volunteers have helped with the construction of a permanent building on site, the result of collaboration among PDA, the local Elks lodge, and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The building has been completed and opened for use in the village. It provides an indoor kitchen with two gas ovens/stoves, range hoods, air-conditioned gathering space, indoor bathroom facilities and a TV that receives local channels. The hall will also be used for community events sponsored by the Elks.
areas_served: -> Houma, LA - Terrebone Parish
eligibility: -> Impacted by Hurricane Katrina/Gustav

notes: 9/2/08 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance said it "has taken steps to evacuate the Presbyterian Volunteer Villages in Louisiana and Mississippi" and that it "stands ready to respond to Hurricane Gustav." Source: http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3748 =========================================== For Volunteer Coordination please contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org (601) 695-2190 or Penny Noel and the volunteers at the PDA Call Center, (866) 732-6121 You can also register online at: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/register/team.jsp Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. Needs as of December 2007: Greatest needs are for rebuilding and skilled labor such as roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Less skilled volunteers can be helpful in jobs such as scraping and painting. They can also learn from and work alongside skilled volunteers in jobs such as drywall and roofing. Volunteer groups are faced with the challenge of taking more responsibility on the worksite. Groups function most effectively when one of their own can work onsite to delegate tasks and manage the daily activities. Additional information: The Village is in the heart of Cajun country, and volunteers who come learn about the environmental and cultural aspects of the area. They can also get a taste of Cajun cuisine and hospitality. In addition to the time spent on work sites, volunteers help with projects needed to keep the village running smoothly, such as cleaning and organizing. Many volunteers have helped with the construction of a permanent building on site, the result of collaboration among PDA, the local Elks lodge, and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The building has been completed and opened for use in the village. It provides an indoor kitchen with two gas ovens/stoves, range hoods, air-conditioned gathering space, indoor bathroom facilities and a TV that receives local channels. The hall will also be used for community events sponsored by the Elks. -> 9/4/08 Update per PDA Email Newsletter: Houma (Good Earth) – Houma, LA There is as yet no information on the status of Houma. PVV staff will go and do an assessment as soon as they are cleared to visit the area. ========================================================= 9/2/08 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance said it "has taken steps to evacuate the Presbyterian Volunteer Villages in Louisiana and Mississippi" and that it "stands ready to respond to Hurricane Gustav." Source: http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3748 =========================================== For Volunteer Coordination please contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org (601) 695-2190 or Penny Noel and the volunteers at the PDA Call Center, (866) 732-6121 You can also register online at: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/register/team.jsp Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. Needs as of December 2007: Greatest needs are for rebuilding and skilled labor such as roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Less skilled volunteers can be helpful in jobs such as scraping and painting. They can also learn from and work alongside skilled volunteers in jobs such as drywall and roofing. Volunteer groups are faced with the challenge of taking more responsibility on the worksite. Groups function most effectively when one of their own can work onsite to delegate tasks and manage the daily activities. Additional information: The Village is in the heart of Cajun country, and volunteers who come learn about the environmental and cultural aspects of the area. They can also get a taste of Cajun cuisine and hospitality. In addition to the time spent on work sites, volunteers help with projects needed to keep the village running smoothly, such as cleaning and organizing. Many volunteers have helped with the construction of a permanent building on site, the result of collaboration among PDA, the local Elks lodge, and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The building has been completed and opened for use in the village. It provides an indoor kitchen with two gas ovens/stoves, range hoods, air-conditioned gathering space, indoor bathroom facilities and a TV that receives local channels. The hall will also be used for community events sponsored by the Elks.

notes: For Volunteer Coordination please contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org (601) 695-2190 or Penny Noel and the volunteers at the PDA Call Center, (866) 732-6121 You can also register online at: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/register/team.jsp Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. Needs as of December 2007: Greatest needs are for rebuilding and skilled labor such as roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Less skilled volunteers can be helpful in jobs such as scraping and painting. They can also learn from and work alongside skilled volunteers in jobs such as drywall and roofing. Volunteer groups are faced with the challenge of taking more responsibility on the worksite. Groups function most effectively when one of their own can work onsite to delegate tasks and manage the daily activities. Additional information: The Village is in the heart of Cajun country, and volunteers who come learn about the environmental and cultural aspects of the area. They can also get a taste of Cajun cuisine and hospitality. In addition to the time spent on work sites, volunteers help with projects needed to keep the village running smoothly, such as cleaning and organizing. Many volunteers have helped with the construction of a permanent building on site, the result of collaboration among PDA, the local Elks lodge, and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The building has been completed and opened for use in the village. It provides an indoor kitchen with two gas ovens/stoves, range hoods, air-conditioned gathering space, indoor bathroom facilities and a TV that receives local channels. The hall will also be used for community events sponsored by the Elks. -> 9/2/08 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance said it "has taken steps to evacuate the Presbyterian Volunteer Villages in Louisiana and Mississippi" and that it "stands ready to respond to Hurricane Gustav." Source: http://www.disasternews.net/news/article.php?articleid=3748 =========================================== For Volunteer Coordination please contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org (601) 695-2190 or Penny Noel and the volunteers at the PDA Call Center, (866) 732-6121 You can also register online at: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/register/team.jsp Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. Needs as of December 2007: Greatest needs are for rebuilding and skilled labor such as roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Less skilled volunteers can be helpful in jobs such as scraping and painting. They can also learn from and work alongside skilled volunteers in jobs such as drywall and roofing. Volunteer groups are faced with the challenge of taking more responsibility on the worksite. Groups function most effectively when one of their own can work onsite to delegate tasks and manage the daily activities. Additional information: The Village is in the heart of Cajun country, and volunteers who come learn about the environmental and cultural aspects of the area. They can also get a taste of Cajun cuisine and hospitality. In addition to the time spent on work sites, volunteers help with projects needed to keep the village running smoothly, such as cleaning and organizing. Many volunteers have helped with the construction of a permanent building on site, the result of collaboration among PDA, the local Elks lodge, and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The building has been completed and opened for use in the village. It provides an indoor kitchen with two gas ovens/stoves, range hoods, air-conditioned gathering space, indoor bathroom facilities and a TV that receives local channels. The hall will also be used for community events sponsored by the Elks.
status: Open -> Standby

address: -> 1228 Coteau Road
latitude: -> 29.607923
longitude: -> -90.666988

notes: Contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org 601/695-2190 for more information or call PDA at 1-866-732-6121 for reservations at the volunteer village. Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. Needs as of December 2007: Greatest needs are for rebuilding and skilled labor such as roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Less skilled volunteers can be helpful in jobs such as scraping and painting. They can also learn from and work alongside skilled volunteers in jobs such as drywall and roofing. Volunteer groups are faced with the challenge of taking more responsibility on the worksite. Groups function most effectively when one of their own can work onsite to delegate tasks and manage the daily activities. Additional information: The Village is in the heart of Cajun country, and volunteers who come learn about the environmental and cultural aspects of the area. They can also get a taste of Cajun cuisine and hospitality. In addition to the time spent on work sites, volunteers help with projects needed to keep the village running smoothly, such as cleaning and organizing. Many volunteers have helped with the construction of a permanent building on site, the result of collaboration among PDA, the local Elks lodge, and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The building has been completed and opened for use in the village. It provides an indoor kitchen with two gas ovens/stoves, range hoods, air-conditioned gathering space, indoor bathroom facilities and a TV that receives local channels. The hall will also be used for community events sponsored by the Elks. -> For Volunteer Coordination please contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org (601) 695-2190 or Penny Noel and the volunteers at the PDA Call Center, (866) 732-6121 You can also register online at: http://www.pcusa.org/pda/register/team.jsp Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. Needs as of December 2007: Greatest needs are for rebuilding and skilled labor such as roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Less skilled volunteers can be helpful in jobs such as scraping and painting. They can also learn from and work alongside skilled volunteers in jobs such as drywall and roofing. Volunteer groups are faced with the challenge of taking more responsibility on the worksite. Groups function most effectively when one of their own can work onsite to delegate tasks and manage the daily activities. Additional information: The Village is in the heart of Cajun country, and volunteers who come learn about the environmental and cultural aspects of the area. They can also get a taste of Cajun cuisine and hospitality. In addition to the time spent on work sites, volunteers help with projects needed to keep the village running smoothly, such as cleaning and organizing. Many volunteers have helped with the construction of a permanent building on site, the result of collaboration among PDA, the local Elks lodge, and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The building has been completed and opened for use in the village. It provides an indoor kitchen with two gas ovens/stoves, range hoods, air-conditioned gathering space, indoor bathroom facilities and a TV that receives local channels. The hall will also be used for community events sponsored by the Elks.

name: Good Earth PDA Volunteer Village, The (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance / Presbytery of So. LA) -> The Good Earth PDA Volunteer Village (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance / Presbytery of So. LA)
notes: Contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org 601/695-2190 for more information or call PDA at 1-866-732-6121 for reservations at the volunteer village. Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. -> Contact: Andrea Mitchell houvg8a@ctr.pcusa.org 601/695-2190 for more information or call PDA at 1-866-732-6121 for reservations at the volunteer village. Age limit is 18 years and up. Ask specifically for a reservation at HOUMA, LA. Ask for a confirmation call to confirm the assigned camp and date. PDA will send medical form, release of liability form and info package on what to bring to camp. PDA sends daily list to Camp Manager on occupancy status. The Good Earth Camp can house 100 people and a work team must have at least 5 people. The facility has showers and a large mess tent. There is a $20/day charge for room and board. Meals are provided and there are restaurants near by. Needs as of December 2007: Greatest needs are for rebuilding and skilled labor such as roofing, drywall, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. Less skilled volunteers can be helpful in jobs such as scraping and painting. They can also learn from and work alongside skilled volunteers in jobs such as drywall and roofing. Volunteer groups are faced with the challenge of taking more responsibility on the worksite. Groups function most effectively when one of their own can work onsite to delegate tasks and manage the daily activities. Additional information: The Village is in the heart of Cajun country, and volunteers who come learn about the environmental and cultural aspects of the area. They can also get a taste of Cajun cuisine and hospitality. In addition to the time spent on work sites, volunteers help with projects needed to keep the village running smoothly, such as cleaning and organizing. Many volunteers have helped with the construction of a permanent building on site, the result of collaboration among PDA, the local Elks lodge, and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy. The building has been completed and opened for use in the village. It provides an indoor kitchen with two gas ovens/stoves, range hoods, air-conditioned gathering space, indoor bathroom facilities and a TV that receives local channels. The hall will also be used for community events sponsored by the Elks.