Joining a KERMIT team is a blessing. You will impact the lives of many people in a single week; you will find yourself blessed, as well.
The nature of the work has changed over the months. In the beginning, it took many volunteers to simply run the camp that became Camp Coast Care- distributing emergency food, clothing and medical supplies and maintaining the camp for volunteers. Those who went out into the community removed debris from homes and cleared lawns for FEMA trailers. So many volunteers were needed for so many activities, that one KERMIT saying was, "The only requirement for participation is the ability to sleep on a cot for a week!"
After several months, the emergency relief was diminishing and the distribution center at the camp closed. The work on houses changed from debris removal to preparation for rebuilding. Now, most of the volunteer energy is engaged in finish work on the interior of homes. Skills that are especially needed include all aspects of A KERMIT renovated home hanging and finishing sheet rock and flooring.
Although far fewer people are needed to maintain the camp, it is still expected that KERMIT members along with other volunteers be willing to assist in the camp at least one day during a week.
People in the Long Beach area seeking assistance from Camp Coast Care are assigned a case manager. The case manager assists people in many ways, from emotional support to grant management. Each building project has a professional crew chief overseeing the rebuilding and the volunteers on site - including our KERMIT teams. Coordinating the volunteers and the camp itself are a small, dedicated staff faithful to the mission of Camp Coast Care.
The new facilities at Camp Coast Care are wonderful. The volunteer building contains bunk beds, showers and a main dining/meeting area. There is a separate room for relaxing with games or television. A large kitchen is staffed by a professional chef who prepares three hot meals a day for volunteers. The facility is air conditioned.
For more information on Camp Coast Care, visit their web site at www.campcoastcare.com.