During your time on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you’ll have the opportunity to serve in three of the Mission’s ministries: housing rehabilitation, the food pantry, and the Micah Day Center. Sometimes, there will also be the opportunity to take part in special projects at the Mission
Housing rehabilitation is easily our most famous ministry. This vital program restores and renovates houses for low-income homeowners on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and ensures that those homeowners have maintainable, sustainable, and affordable housing for years to come. During your time with this ministry, you’ll repair homes for low-income owners and may have the opportunity to meet the families you serve. Work can include framing, roofing, installing drywall, painting, installing cabinetry, and other construction projects.
Back Bay Mission operates the only client choice food pantry on the Mississippi Gulf Coast (that we’re aware of). This ministry allows the people it serves to choose from a selection of food. By doing so, it allows the people it serves to meet their dietary needs and preferences, as well as helping them maintain their dignity. During your time with this ministry, you’ll help clients as they select food from the pantry.
The Micah Day Center provides a safe, hospitable place for homes and low-income individuals and families to be during the day. Guests are able to take showers and have laundry done. The Micah Center also provides a phone number, mailing address, and internet access. Finally, the Mission regularly invites other agencies, employers, and housing agencies to serve guests at the Micah Center. This makes it a one-stop-shop for guests. During your time with this ministry, you’ll clean showers, help with general tasks, and have opportunities to speak with – and listen to – guests.
From time to time, other ministries of Back Bay Mission – as well as partner organizations – need volunteers. When these opportunities are there, we’ll invite mission trip volunteers to take part. From office filing to serving at a local soup kitchen, these are great opportunities to understand the Mission and the surrounding community.