Former Biloxi Mayor Gerald Blessey has a new job to help with Hurricane Katrina recovery.

Gov. Haley Barbour said Thursday that he has appointed Blessey as the Mississippi coast housing director.

Friday is the third anniversary of Katrina, a storm that wiped out thousands of homes and businesses along Mississippi’s 70-mile coastline.

Barbour says he drafted Blessey for the job because as the 66-year-old former mayor and legislator has a unique perspective on how to restore the stock of housing in south Mississippi.

Blessey, who’s an attorney, will work under a private contract through the Mississippi Development Authority. His office will be in Gulfport.