There are survivors who are still displaced from the 2019 tornado outbreak in the greater Dayton area, especially those who were in rental units destroyed by the storm, and your congregation has the opportunity to serve these neighbors in 2022. 

The tornado and the pandemic exacerbated a pre-existing lack of affordable housing in the area. An innovating partnership has developed to help meet this need, promoting equity and access to affordable housing. The Pathways to Home Ownership Project assists families displaced from tornado-damaged rental housing in becoming first-time homeowners. The Pathways to Home Ownership Project has been supported by the Presbytery of the Miami Valley through financial gifts and volunteer labor. 

Week of Compassion, the disaster ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will be hosting volunteers to finish the interiors of homes as part of this project January 9 – April 2, 2022. 

TEAMS:

• 4-10 people
• 14 years of age or older (mixed age groups must have 1 adult for every 4 volunteers under 18) 

WORK & SKILLS:

• Teams should commit to a minimum of 3 days of work per week; most teams work Monday-Friday
• All skill levels are welcome! While some “handyperson” knowledge is helpful, the only necessity is a willingness to work and learn.
• Volunteers will be doing a variety of interior construction tasks (installing flooring, painting, hanging doors, etc.)
• Tools will be provided 

HOUSING:

• A housing site is available at a local church, if needed
• $50/person/week to cover building use and utility costs 

COVID PROTOCALS:

• To mitigate the risks of COVID-19 for our volunteers and the communities we serve, Week of Compassion requires that all volunteers who are eligible to receive the vaccine do so before serving. Additionally, there will be site-specific COVID-19 protocols, subject to change according to local health guidelines.

For more information or to register:

Email Caroline Hamilton-Arnold at caroline@weekofcompassion.org with your preferred dates, a point of contact, and your group size (if known).