Frequently Asked Questions about PDA Pearlington
What is a PDA Village?
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Villages were founded by PCUSA as an answer to an ever-growing need to care for the health and well-being of volunteers, while coordinating restoration efforts for communities affected by the disaster of Hurricanes Katrina, Wilma and Rita. They consist of field facilities similar to those at campsites - tents with cots, portable toilets & showers, and tent-covered common areas for cooking and eating. They are clean, but stark. Most of the villages accommodate 80-90 volunteers. Each village has a PCUSA-volunteer staff to coordinate the "life" of the Village and manage the work needs of the local area matched to the resources of the volunteer groups.
Are PDA Villages for Presbyterians only?
No. There are a wide variety of faith, college and civic groups who have coordinated trips through PCUSA. Presbyterian groups are given preference in the scheduling managed by the national call center set up for the Villages and every effort is made to find a place for all groups who are willing to help in the restoration efforts.
How was the PDA Village at Pearlington chosen?
There are multiple PDA Villages along the Gulf Coast. Pearlington, Mississippi, was chosen for several reasons, but mainly because it is one of the most recently built Villages and the community is starved for restoration attention. Pearlington is not a city on the radar screen of the media. The community needs help. Its citizens are hardworking and proud, but impoverished and overwhelmed. It is a good fit for the spiritual, physical, emotional and financial resources at EPC.
What kind of meals will I have?
Breakfast will be just like home - sometimes cereal, pancakes, or bacon and eggs, with plenty of coffee and juice. Perhaps better than home? It will be prepared by volunteers and served in the common tent. Lunches will be prepared at the Village and taken out to the job sites. If fast food facilities are open, the group may opt to eat at one of them. Dinners are normally prepared and served in the Village. They will be simple meals, but sufficiently nutritious. If local restaurants are open for business, groups may visit them. At this time, in Pearlington, limited commercial facilities are open. However, Slidell, LA, is only 12 miles away and many establishments are open.
Am I risking my own health?
It is recommended to have a current tetanus shot. As with any physical work retreat, those who have had serious illness, heart problems or diabetes should check with their doctor prior to going on the trip. Volunteers will be living in camp-like conditions which will add stress to their systems. The work will be dirty, but the Villages are not. There is ample water for daily clean-up. Common-sense precautions should be taken while out on the job-sites.
Are the Villages safe at night?
Each village is surrounded by a secure fence and is well-lit at night by security lights.
Where can I read more about Presbyterian Disaster Assistance?
Articles, photographs and videos are available for you at www.pcusa.org/pda.
