In a part of the country in which nearly everyone has faced trials and tribulations of their own after Hurricane Katrina, the response to this family’s tragedy was nothing short of astonishing. Remembering the goal Leroy had worked tirelessly to realize, of returning to their family home by the holidays, a coalition of companies, individuals, governmental agencies and non profit agencies banded together to make the Johnson’s dream a reality. An aggressive construction plan was hatched on December 18, 2006 to return the family to their home as soon as possible.

Jan. 12, 2007 - Construction Complete!
The Big Finale! Today the sun was shining as a flurry of activity began early to prepare for our Dedication Ceremony later in the afternoon. The sod was laid out then a team of diligent volunteers helped the Landscape Specialist from the IP, Melinda Parker, finish planting all the flowers and trees that had been donated by WalMart. Inside the furniture was being arranged and family pictures hung on the walls. By 4pm, all the paint brushes and hammers had been put away, and most everyone involved in the heartwarming experience gathered in the front yard to enjoy a very moving dedication ceremony.

The Mennonite Group of Volunteers, that we were so blessed to have help us on this rebuild, sang an opening hymn. Then Paige Roberts, Executive Director of the Southeast Mississippi Red Cross, shared some very touching words about her involvement with the Miller-Johnson Family. Ed Rutherford, our project construction leader from the Presbytery of Mississippi, shared his thoughts on this experience as did Jim Yancey from the Coalition of Jackson County and Demp Bell, from WalMart.

Keith Canfield, founder of Hope Has A Face expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who opened their hearts and gave willingly to make this such a memorable experience. He happily gave Leroy & Bronstine a few housewarming gifts (ala "It's a Wonderful Life"): Bread - so that their Home may never know hunger; Salt - so that their Life will always have spice; Wine - so that good fortune & prosperity will reign forever; and finally Keith added a little of his Memphis roots to the gifts with a Stax Records CD & some Elvis sunglasses (with sideburns attached) to make sure there was always a little soul in the house.

Clint Regen, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Pascagoula blessed the house. And after some tears, some laughter and a lot of hard work Leroy & Bronstine were handed their new keys. Welcome Home Leroy & Bronstine. Thank you to all who contributed and all who have followed this project we appreciate your thoughts and support.