Man forced to take apart home in the woods vows to still help - WLOX.com - The News for South Mississippi

Man forced to take apart home in the woods vows to still help

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By Michelle Lady - bio | email

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BILOXI, MS (WLOX) -

Driving down Eula Street you would never know someone called the woods home, but behind some trees a landscaped path leads to the area that Gary Rayburn used to call home.

"It's peaceful, it's tranquil, it's a pretty place or it was so it's been a place of retreat, we come out here decorate the place up," Rayburn said.

Saturday about ten volunteers helped Rayburn take apart the camp he worked so hard to create.

Linda Favre said, "He's put a lot heart and hard work into it and it was really beautiful but we are going to do as we were asked to do and take the camp down."

Rayburn turned people's trash into a unique home complete with decorations, carpet and even electricity. But his collection will not go to waste because he is giving everything to others who are homeless.

Bessie Murray said, "Human compassion is still alive and well, and think you are faced with the worst there is still an opportunity that life can get better and so I think again this is just the beginning of greater things."

"I'm going to tell you what this Gary character," laughing Favre said, "He's an awesome guy, he's got God in his heart and it shows. I mean he has taken everything from this and given it to him from others to those struggling."

Rayburn also used his place to help others through Linda Favre's organization Shepherd of the Gulf. People would drop off items and he would store them inside one of his tents and distribute them to others living in the woods.

Rayburn said, "I have a friend who is going to be homeless next month just because he lost a job and so it can happen to anyone. I have seen doctors and lawyers out here too so anybody is susceptible to being homeless and there are a lot of people out here that are."

Rayburn is staying with a friend for now, but he says he plans to continue volunteering. He also works part time and is writing a book.

If you would like to help him and Shepherd of the Gulf you call 228-229-8980.

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