Micah 6:8 Mission: Empowering Communities, Building Resilience
Micah 6:8 Mission is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities in Southwest Louisiana through education, outreach, and disaster preparedness. Rooted in a commitment to civic and environmental awareness, we provide essential resources and programs that address food insecurity, climate resilience, and community health.
Our work includes operating food pantries, disaster shelters, and community meeting spaces, as well as hosting events like our annual Earth Day celebration and the Health and Environment Summit. We also lead grassroots initiatives such as coterie groups in low-income neighborhoods, fostering unity and advocacy for safer, healthier communities.
Through partnerships, education, and direct action, Micah 6:8 Mission empowers residents to build a stronger, more sustainable future. Together, we are making Southwest Louisiana better, one step at a time.
Because we are so concerned about the quality of our environment, and the impact of the numerous refineries in the Southwest Louisiana area, we reached out to CreateLab to create a website, using some impressive technology, that makes it possible to see the areas impacted by all of the flaring that these refineries are doing on a regular basis. Their data makes it possible for locals to pay attention to the amount of flaring, and make sure the refineries are following EPA policies regarding flaring.
If you want to check it out and see for yourself, Click Here.
Biodiversity: The Lifeline of Our Wetlands
Biodiversity is the foundation of healthy, thriving wetlands. These ecosystems depend on a rich variety of plant, animal, and microbial life to maintain balance, filter water, control erosion, and provide habitat for countless species. Wetlands act as natural buffers against storms, reduce flooding, and store carbon, making them essential for climate resilience.
In Southwest Louisiana, wetland biodiversity is under threat from pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. The loss of key species can disrupt the entire ecosystem, weakening its ability to support wildlife and protect communities. Preserving biodiversity means safeguarding the wetlands’ ability to sustain fisheries, purify water, and defend against coastal erosion.
By protecting and restoring wetland biodiversity, we ensure that these critical ecosystems remain resilient, providing benefits for both nature and people for generations to come.
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.
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.
Water: The Lifeblood of Southwest Louisiana
Water is essential to life in Southwest Louisiana, shaping the region’s environment, economy, and culture. From the vast wetlands and bayous to the Gulf Coast, water sustains biodiversity, supports fisheries, and drives industries like shipping, agriculture, and tourism. It also serves as a natural barrier against storms and flooding, helping protect communities from extreme weather events.
However, this vital resource is under threat from pollution, saltwater intrusion, coastal erosion, and climate change. As wetlands disappear and water quality declines, both the environment and the livelihoods of residents are at risk.
Safeguarding Southwest Louisiana’s water means investing in conservation, sustainable management, and community-driven solutions. By protecting this precious resource, we ensure a resilient future for people, wildlife, and the ecosystems that depend on it.
Micah 6:8 Mission Salt Dome Intrusion Test
We understand residents are concerned about water quality and so are we. We are posting the data report on our website as well as information from Dr. Wilma Subra, who interpreted the information for us.
The testing was done because members of the community were/are concerned about the possible impact of the collapsing Sulphur Salt Dome on our drinking water and the Chicot Aquifer. We wanted to establish a baseline sample, so next year we could test again to see if any changes had occurred.
We asked for the tests that Dr. Subra recommended. We tested for hydrocarbons, a test that is not usually done for drinking water. We got some concerning results. The test found 197 ug/l of Diesel Range Organics in the Houston River Waterworks sample.
Which means more testing needs to be done, first. As awful as the idea of diesel range organics in our water is, it may be we collected the sample from a source that was incidentally contaminated, we just don’t know. Which is why we are going to pull another set of water samples and test again.
Test Results can be found here.
We also conducted a second round of local water tests, and those results can be found here.
Boil Advisories or low water pressure
Click on this link to learn how to protect yourself and your family when there is a boil advisory, or the water pressure drops.
Citizens Fighting for clean water in Sulphur