Pharos-Tribune

Local News

May 31, 2009

Cass County site of widespread renovations

Faith-based work camp confirms intentions of bringing 500 people to help repair some 80 homes in a week.

Cass County has officially been chosen as a site to receive repairs on up to 80 homes through the efforts of a church mission trip.

Deputy Mayor Linda Klinck recently announced that some 500 people from Group Workcamps Foundation, a faith-based organization out of Loveland, Colo., would undertake repairs the week of July 4, 2010. Confirmation came after more than a year of local efforts to schedule the project.

The next step is to identify between 60 and 80 homes in need of repairs such as painting, replacing windows and fixing a leaking roof. The owner of the property must live in the residence so rental properties will not be eligible.

“It will be a long, detailed-organized year we have ahead of us preparing for this,” Klinck said.

On its missions, Group Workcamps brings in some 400 young people accompanied by about 100 electricians, carpenters and plumbers. The youth who participate come from across the United States and pay for the opportunity to help a community. Their fees cover the cost of lodging, which is usually at a school so the not-for-profit group can have access to a gym and a cafeteria.

For the week they are in Cass County, they will stay at Pioneer High School in Royal Center and be bused to the homes on the repair list.

Maj. Rose Eagle of the Salvation Army has been instrumental in securing a commitment from Group Workcamps. She said the project would result in major improvements, as well as economic impact due to the influx of workers.

“We are so excited,” Eagle said. “That’s going to be wonderful.”

Much ground work still lies ahead, Eagle said. The process of choosing qualified homes will require review on a case-by-case basis.

Volunteers are needed to help organize the project at the local level. Manual labor and monetary donations are welcomed. Local businesses have volunteered manpower and equipment to aid in the project.

Mayor Mike Fincher said he looked forward to the beautification effort.

“It will increase the curb appeal of the community,” he said.



Need more info?

To find out more about the project, call either the Salvation Army at (574) 722-1979 or Deputy Mayor Linda Klinck at (574) 753-2551.



Kevin Lilly is news editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at (574) 732-5117 or kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News
Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
Featured Ads
More pharostribune.com
Hyperlocal Search
Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide
Popular Searches
Powered by Local.com
AP Video
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life Army Orders Bradley Manning Court-martial Cancer Charity Revives Breast-screening Grants Heavy Snowstorm Hits Colorado On Its Way East 2nd Teacher From LA School Arrested on Sex Claim Prosecutors Close Armstrong Inquiry, No Charges Sights and Sounds: Football Fans Pour Into Indy Unemployment Rate Down to 8.3% Obama: Still Far Too Many Americans Need Jobs GOP: Jobs Numbers Welcome, Can Do Better Fla. Man Adopts Girlfriend in Legal Battle More Deaths As Egypt Clashes Continue Raw Video: Prince William in Falklands Egpyt Protesters Blame Police for Soccer Deaths 'Lucky' 9-Year-Old Receives 6-Organ Transplant Raw Video: Michelle Vs. Ellen in Pushup Contest First Person: Will Peyton Manning Stay in Indy? Egypt Shaken After Deadly Soccer Riot New Suits, New Starts for New York's Unemployed Hall of Famer Dorsett Speaks Out on NFL Injuries
Parade
Magazine

Click HERE to read all your Parade favorites including Hollywood Wire, Celebrity interviews and photo galleries, Food recipes and cooking tips, Games and lots more.
Poll

Which team will you be cheering for in the Super Bowl?

New England Patriots
New York Giants
Neither one
     View Results

eEdition