Ruby Thomas Project

	*The Ruby Thomas Project*
	Ruby Thomas lives in Belgrade Community. Her home is completely destroyed, and she is still living in a FEMA trailer. The management of this project was made possible by Self Help Housing of East Texas (SHHET), a 501(C)3, Texas non-profit corporation that was established to provide housing. The current project is to remove her destroyed home and replace it with a new house. The funding for this entire project comes from several sources: The Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church Permanent Endowment Fund (PEF); Rita Recovery, an agency of The United Methodist Church; and Church World Service. The major labor will come from the Mennonite Disaster Service. In Short, this project was made possible by a group of faith based and non-profit organizations.

	Before: The following pictures were taken on January 3, 2008. This is Ms. Thomas' home that was completely destroyed by Rita. It is unlivable.



	The Mennonite Disaster Service project team inspects the trailer. A new house will be built on the site that this trailer is situated.

	Ralph Rosedale (red vest) of Self Help Housing of East Texas with the Mennonite Disaster Service project team. Ralph is instrumental in setting up all of the projects.




	Ralph Rosedale with Ms. Ruby Thomas and the Mennonite Disaster Service project team

	This is where Ms. Thomas has been living ever since Rita: a FEMA trailer

	Ms. Thomas in front of her current "home".