Each weekend recently at churches in Danville, Alamo and throughout the San Ramon Valley, members have gathered to frame 1,200-square-foot houses to be delivered to victims of Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi. A nonprofit group known as Umbrella of Churches is sponsoring the building of 16 new single-family homes with the help of more than 165 volunteers.
After the houses are delivered, the group plans two trips to McComb, Miss., to assist in the new home construction efforts, and more volunteers are needed. Trip dates are April 1-7 and April 9-15. On Tuesday, the Umbrella of Churches loaded the 16 framed houses onto trucks headed for Mississippi.
“We’re not necessarily looking for skilled carpenters, just able-bodied adults who want to contribute their efforts and demonstrate their support for victims of Hurricane Katrina,” said Umbrella of Churches spokesperson Fred Hull, former president of Ponderosa Homes. “Joining this journey to Mississippi could be an unforgettable, life-changing experience for volunteers.”
To join the effort, call 837-5525, ext. 303, or e-mail Hull at fredandjanh@comcast.net.
The group has also raised $145,000 toward its goal of $600,000. Local partners in the project are Community Presbyterian Church, St. Isadore’s Catholic Church and East Bay Fellowship Church in Danville; Creekside Community Church and United Methodist Church in Alamo; Kinko’s and Kelly Moore Paints.
Some 160 residents of McComb have expressed interest in purchasing the three-bedroom, two-bath homes. A “Pay It Forward” concept will be used so proceeds from the sales go toward new home construction.
