This passage illustrates the importance of non-governmental groups in the recovery of Tick Bite residents. The Brattens had to wait three weeks to get a trailer from FEMA, and they relied primarily on the Baptist Men's Association for help. The Association offered moral support and help tearing down the Brattens' house, and may have provided a used trailer (it is unclear whether it or FEMA did so) when fumes in the FEMA trailer burned Kathleen's eyes and nostrils.