Community justice, as we define it, works to give voice to all members of the community and to improve the quality of life for all. Our goal is to mobilize the community to come together to define and address the needs of the community and provide the means for the community make the changes needed to increase control over their common lives. We believe the community has the assets needed to make those changes. We want to help identify and support those assets.
Community ownership of problems and solutions includes involvement, participation, action, and working toward specific goals and outcomes. It must address all aspects of community life (social, cultural, economic, environmental and political).
This work must be open and inclusive of all, building on existing knowledge while adding to that knowledge base. It works to gain control over our social, political and environmental aspects of life in the community. It brings the hope of the possibility of change and a structure to move forward through organization that is people powered.
Food Insecurity: A Growing Crisis
Food insecurity affects millions of individuals and families, limiting access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life. It is not just about hunger—it’s about the uncertainty of where the next meal will come from. Factors like poverty, unemployment, rising food costs, and natural disasters can push families into food insecurity, impacting physical health, childhood development, and overall well-being.
In communities across the country, including Southwest Louisiana, food insecurity is a persistent challenge. Local food pantries, meal programs, and community initiatives play a vital role in bridging the gap, but long-term solutions require systemic change—equitable access to resources, sustainable food systems, and policies that address the root causes of poverty and economic instability.
By working together, we can fight food insecurity and build a future where everyone has access to healthy, affordable food.
Blessing Box
We have a Blessing Box in front of our office that is resupplied daily, and a community garden in the neighborhood. Stop by if you’re in need of food. Donate some food if you have extra.
Micah 6:8 Mission started in 2018 with a Blessing Box on W. Verdine Street in Sulphur. Our founder, Cindy Robertson, with help from her church family, put up a food box in front of her house. The motto of the box is “take some if you need it, leave some if you have it.” Verdine Street neighbors who do not have access to sufficient food have been blessed by the box: once they are employed again, many bring food to fill it and are joined by other neighbors, some adding food and toiletries daily, some adding as they are able. When Hurricanes Laura and Delta hit our community, some of the linemen working to restore power to the area added food and snacks. One of our regular delivery drivers adds items. This was the beginning of a community joining together to support neighbors in need.
We started our work in the community with food insecurity, and here are the iterations of the Blessing Box, which really explains how much food insecurity exists here in Portie Town.
Community Garden
We also have a community garden that community members can harvest from, if they help weed. Anything extra will be added to the Blessing Box. We currently have green beans and tomatoes.
Disaster Justice Network
We are part of the Disaster Justice Network, working with volunteer scientists, researchers and professionals from a variety of disciplines across the nation to support a justice-oriented recovery process in the response to the many disasters that have impacted Southwest Louisiana in the past year or so.
Micah 6:8 Mission is all about community, so when they came to our area, we all sat down to eat. They know community happens around the table as well as we do! You see our Director (Cindy), talking to Dr. Kristina Peterson (who is also a Presbyterian minister) co-founder of the Lowlander Center at our Thursday evening meal. Friday evening Cindy cooked, and we ate together. It was a wonderful opportunity to share ideas and get connected with the many resources the Disaster Justice Network offers.
Evergreen Missionary Baptist Church in Dequincy has a demonstration model of the resilient rebuilding techniques. It is worth a visit to Dequincy to see it!
The Episcopal Church in western Louisiana and the Disaster Justice Network did the roof with the help of Ms. Mary’s family. Click here to view the KPLC report on the project.
With generous support from the Lowlander Center we were able to finish the exterior of Ms. Mary Tezano’s home.
Disaster Resources
Here are some resources for rebuilding resilience. We suggest you read them before starting any rebuilding after storms or if you have decided to remodel or reroof your home. An ounce of prevention …
The first file is a page with QR Codes you can scan and open the document from your phone easily. All of the files are must reads for storm resiliency rebuilding.
Resilient Rebuilding Flier – Repair approaches that will help the home you are repairing to be restored in a way that will protect it from future storms, be the threat wind, rain or flood water.
ASFPM Crawlspace Protection 2020 – Actions You Can Take to Protect a Flood-Prone House or Business with a Crawlspace
Reroofing – Addressing deteriorating or damaged roof decking on an existing home
Taping Roof Seams – Material Options for Taping Roof Deck Seams
Qualified Sealed Roofing – Installation of a#30 felt as a Qualified Sealed Roof Deck System for Asphalt Shingles or Metal Roofing
High Wind – Guide to Wood Frame Construction in High Wind Areas for One- and Two-Family Dwellings
Load Paths – Explanation of Load Paths in Wooden Home Construction
Load Path Connectors – Use of Brackets and Connectors for Wooden Home Construction
Wet Floodproofing – Reducing Damage from Floods
Mold Removal – Mold Removal Guidelines For Your Flooded Home
FAQs — After Gutting a Flooded Home – Steps to take after Flooded House