Naperville Responds to raise the roofs on 2 more Gulf homes

Naperville Responds, a group dedicated to building up to 20 homes in Pass Christian, Miss., recently approved funds for the fifth and sixth homes. On Aug. 19, the keys to the first three houses were turned over to their owners. A fourth house is nearing completion, expected to be ready before the Christmas holiday.

Located along the Gulf Coast, Pass Christian, with a population of 6,500, was practically leveled by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Shortly thereafter, the city of Naperville established a domestic sister city relationship with the community and Naperville Responds was established as a nonprofit organization. One hundred percent of funds raised by Naperville Responds go to build new houses for qualifying residents.

In the beginning, builder Ron Wehrli, who founded Naperville Responds with attorney Bill Brestal, estimated that it would cost approximately $100,000 per home to rebuild. The goal was set to raise about $2.5 million.

As partnerships were developed with the Rotary Club of Pass Christian Foundation and the Mennonites Disaster Service, the cost per home was adjusted and budgeted at $60,000 per house.

Thanks to the construction management by the Mennonites, their efficiencies of purchasing and their contribution of skilled labor, the actual cost per house is averaging about $45,000. During the November monthly board meeting, Treasurer Jack Persin announced the organization had enough in its coffers to begin two additional houses.

For information about progress, a comprehensive list of gifts at all levels, photos and an event archive with the history of Naperville Responds, visit www.napervilleresponds.org.