America's Forgotten Families
The first time our General Contractor, Vince Busby, went with a group from church to repair homes in McDowell County, WV - he was overwhelmed by the impoverished families and deplorable living conditions. Homes without running water, roofs that long ago gave way to decay, rodents running roughshod through playpens where babies sleep.
How could this be happening just three-and-a-half hours from Charlotte, NC — one of the biggest banking centers in the United States — a city that glitters with beautiful homes and the promise of opportunity? Meanwhile, back in McDowell which is one of the poorest counties in the nation, people struggle with generational poverty, a collapsed economy that used to run on coal, and the addictions that sprout from lost hope.
That first trip to WV blossomed into our passion project and we partnered with Community Crossing — a mission in Welch, WV that is dedicated to making a difference for fragile families in McDowell County. We started taking teams of volunteers to help alleviate the most basic needs for people who are desperately trying to keep food on the table and a roof overhead. We’ve done all kinds of repair projects for homeowners who can't afford it — including roofing, plumbing, and even structural repairs on one house that was on the verge of collapse.
We are always delighted with how much we achieve in just a few days with our volunteer crews, who often have little to no construction skills, but they arrive with a willingness to learn and work hard. We know it is only through the power of Jesus that we are able to make a difference in the lives of the families we serve. God deserves the glory and we are simply thankful to be His hands and feet for a few days.
