Education, Economics, Environmental, Climate And Health Organization (EEECHO)

In Gulfport, MS, Education, Economics, Environmental, Climate, and Health Organization (EEECHO) is on a mission: protect and preserve the environment, educate communities, promote sustainable economic practices, and advocate for climate and health justice. EEECHO is driven to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable communities, particularly African American neighborhoods like Turkey Creek and Forest Heights, facing threats from flooding and proposed developments on contaminated soil. Hurricanes and powerful storms have devastated the area. In Forest Heights, Katrina flooded 195 of the community’s 200 homes, and in Turkey Creek, over half of the community’s homes flooded to the rafters – and many in the underserved communities didn’t have the means to evacuate. EEECHO envisions a future where the devastating impacts of environmental disasters are mitigated, and all communities can thrive in a healthy and just environment.

EEECHO was cofounded in 2015 by executive director Ruth Story and program director Katherine Egland. In addition to 7 board members, it has 50+ volunteers. It describes itself as a “female-led, grassroots network” and includes among diverse partners many others who “represent the interest of building better communities.” The group has been active and successful: In 2016, EEECHO attended the UN Climate Change Conference to represent the Gulf Coast. In 2018 it hosted a Deep South Center for Environmental Justice forum. In 2019 it appealed a decision to allow wetlands in North Gulfport to be filled in, releasing toxic chemicals and increasing flood risk. In 2021 its years-long efforts were rewarded when a taller, permanent levee in Forest Heights was approved and funded, and the state fined Drax Amite, a wood pellet company, $2.5 million for long-term VOC emission in the largely Black town of Gloster. While Drax and others continue to pollute, EEECHO continues to work for climate justice.

For more information:

A Mississippi community takes on a U.K. energy giant over pollution concerns – NBC News, August 2023

Opinion | How the USDA’s support of destructive wood pellet industry undermined Biden’s environmental pledges – Alternet, June 2023

On Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, a Local Advocate Works to Protect Underserved Communities and Wetlands – Pew Trusts, June 2023

In the Mississippi Gulf and Beyond, Katherine Egland Advocates for Environmental Justice – Tides.org, March 2023

Inspiring African Americans of Hattiesburg (featuring Katherine Egland) – Historic Eureka School, March 2023

Gulfport Highway Project Endangers Historic Black Communities, Environment – Mississippi Free Press, December 2022