UMVIM Volunteers are Needed to Get the Job Done!
By Rosalee Mohney, Wildfires UMVIM Coordinator, rmohney@comcast.net
The Rebuild: Up from the Ashes home-building project is nearing its final stage! Rebuilding after the wildfires of 2014 and 2015 has been a massive effort shared by a variety of faith-based organizations and other non-profit groups. Nearly 500 United Methodist Volunteers in Mission (UMVIM) have lived out their faith rebuilding homes and helping create brighter futures for families struggling since the wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes, and multiple forests and rangelands. This recovery effort is a partnership with the Okanogan County Long-Term Recovery Organization. Below are some AMAZING volunteer statistics for this project so far which should be celebrated with joy and gratitude:
- 22 UMVIM teams have made 46 trips to the Rebuild site
- Over 455 individual volunteer home-builders have donated 16,363 hours
- Each volunteer has given approximately 35 hours of their time
It is projected that the final two Rebuild homes will be completed by mid-summer, however, additional volunteers are needed to make this happen. UMVIM teams or individuals are welcome at any time to help complete these homes; especially March through May of this year. The exterior work on these last homes is mostly complete, so volunteers are needed for interior work. No specific training is needed, but homebuilding experience is appreciated!
“Hope” and “new beginnings” are the words of gratitude we often hear when an owner takes possession of a new home. The hope and new beginnings that volunteers provide with each roof or installed kitchen is cause for celebration for homeowners, for the community, and for the entire UMVIM team!
Come, join with others to complete these last two homes for families that have been enduring hardships these many, many months after the fires! Whether you have one day or several days, two people or 20 people, or simply want more information, please contact Rosalee Mohney at rmohney@comcast.net or call: 206-354-0657.
Let’s Go Help Some People!
