Housing Development Alliance

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I don't know why you say goodbye, I say hello.

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 18:13:00 +0000

Unfortunately, the time has come for me to leave the Housing Development Alliance. School starts again in a few weeks, and I need to get ready. Charlotte will also be leaving to teach at a new school. This has been a somber week for us, hasn't it? First Kelly, now us.

I would just like to say that this has been an amazing experience for me. Being the Volunteer Coordinator's Assistant has honestly been a summer job I could have only dreamed of. I have met many amazing people, explored new Kentucky territory, learned about construction and public relations. Most of all, however, working for the Housing Development Alliance has made me more optimistic about my home. Before this job, I was a complainer and extremely skeptical of Hazard. I ignored all the flourishing aspects of the community, and focused on the wreckage. I now notice the smiles that surround me, and the friendly gestures granted to me day-in and day-out. I now appreciate the beauty of Appalachia, despite its faults.

"I want to thank everyone."-the typical response of a celebrity who has just won an award, and which sounds so cheesy at the time, but actually has some truth in it. I really do want to thank everyone. From my friendly (and often forgiving) co-workers who taught me the ropes of office work, to the enthusiastic carpenters who taught me "man's work". The homeowners taught me compassion, while the volunteers taught me patience. And responsiblity. Every week, the latest volunteer group leader tells me "We've learned so much!" Just as often, a teary-eyed homeowner would gently hold my hand and say, "You have no idea how much this means to me." The truth is, I have learned more from them, and they have meant more to me. I am a better person because of the people I have met, and the loving mission they strived for. I wish the best of luck to each one of 'em, and I can only hope that they will do the same for me.

Except the Alliance's GM Van. That demon-possessed vehicle can kiss my you-know-what.

Gratefully yours, John Rasche.

The Last Hoorah.

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:51:00 +0000

I may have jumped the gun a little bit with my expectations for the Monticello group. They were beginning to nail down the roof boards this morning. They may not be able to finish the shingles, but they'll hopefully begin to start them. It's their last day, and they are mighty proud of the work they've done. Despite infectious spider bites, blisters, burns, and language barriers (as in difficulty with the Appalachian dialect), they have all had a great time. But I bet their sore muscles will be glad to go back home.

"I'm driving the struggle bus today."

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:00:00 +0000

That hilarious, and extremely odd, statement was made by a disgruntled volunteer who was having a tough time driving a nail into a 2x4. I laughed, but something tells me that perhaps it wasn't the best encouragement. Anyway, the entire Monticello group was able to work together on the same site: Defiance. It was interesting to see how all these various people, with extremely different personalites, were able to construct so effectively. You really should have seen these guys. In the morning, only the foundations were set. By noon, all the exterior walls, and most interior, were already up. By the time I left, a truck load of trusses was arriving. For all I know, they could be installing the cable television as I speak. Not really. But really.

Although it was a really foggy day, we all lucked out. Today, there was a 40% chance of rain, and the slight majority prevailed. If all goes according to plan, the whole group will be nailing the shingles on the roof by the end of tomorrow. Either way, Monticello has had a great week, and I'm sure they will have a memorable last day.

And I just have to say, some of these guys (and girls, if I MUST be politically correct) were wearing some great bright colored t-shirts that contrasted perfectly with the gloomy grey sky. I wanted to take a picture of the full rainbow spectrum of their t-shirts: Red to pink to yellow to green to darker green to blue--but they were just too darn busy. But I think it would've been cool. Real cool.

-John (a.k.a. "New Boy" a.k.a. "Butters" a.k.a. "Stop-Calling-Me-Nicknames")

Hammerin' in the Rain

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:08:00 +0000

The Monticello Christian Church from Indiana is with us this week, and have been busy with various tasks. Half the group spent time constructing the foundations for a home in Defiance, then moved to B. Cornett's in order to paint her bathroom and replace an old cement platform. Cornett is a sweetheart, and the group loved spending time with her. Then, because of a sudden downpour and Flash Flood warnings, the group skidattled to the Pavilion and helped paint the main hall. Now, they're back in Defiance and are eager to do more construction. I swear, one volunteers even yelled "YES!" this morning when he was told the good news. Talk about being a morning person.

The other half of Monticello did some home repair for G. Williams' home. They stained his stairs, and a few other chores, before the vicious storm flew them to Hazard High School. There they cleaned up classrooms, hallways, and basically helped the school get ready for the new herd of students in the Fall.

The weather outside looks pretty ominous, but the forecast predicts that the rainy clouds will pass over by noon. Let's cross our fingers that Mother Nature will allow our volunteers to work uninterrupted. Are you listening, Mother Nature? Let my people work!

-John (seriously, who else would it be?)

big changes.

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:47:00 +0000

Sorry it's been so long without an update everyone. I was on vacation at Lake George, New York for the past week.

So, first thing's first. Kelly Sizemore no longer works with the Housing Development Alliance. She was recently offered a great opportunity in her home state of Indiana, and she accepted. Let me tell you, it was a strange feeling coming back to work without my boss there to update me on what the heck's going on. It's only been a few days, but everyone already misses Kelly. She was a great asset to our organization, but the show must go on.

So, here's what's happened in the past week and a half:

The Pullen Memorial Baptist Church finished working on the Wells' and Maggard' households, and ended their week by repairing an apartment in the Jardigan complex. I was only able to spend a few days with their group, but I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with them. They are all loving, caring people, and I hope they visit Hazard again.

Unfortunately, I was not able to meet the next group from Aspen Hill Christian Church, who tore off and rebuilt G. Williams' roof . It was a hot week, so the group had to constantly cool themselves down--as is evident by the photo. Once they finished the roof, the group went on to clean Jardigan Place,

Eversole Elementary, and the Hazard Pavillion. Kelly and Charlotte took quite a few photos of the group, and I can tell that they all had a lot of fun. Not only that, but they accomplished A LOT. With the start of the new school season just around the corner, it'll be great to have all these "hang out" spots ready to go.

Anyway, that's all for now. Sorry I skimmed over so much, but I feel a shorter blog is more bearable than a longer one. And once again, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me. This is John Rasche. Over-and-out.

The Missing Blogger

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:30:00 +0000

A Message from Tyler Fox, a local volunteer!

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:12:00 +0000

The blog will explode 5 secs after you read It so turn off your screen!Please and whoever reads it first will get a hotdog.I get a hotdog Yea!

Here's Some Pictures of Pullen Memorial from today:

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Pullen Memorial Baptist Church

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:24:00 +0000

Charlotte & I have been looking forward to this group all summer. We just love Pullen and feel very, very blessed to have them in Hazard again this year.

As you may know, our primary lodging partner for this program is First Presbyterian Church of Hazard. Hosting our volunteers is such an integral part of their mission as a church that they are actually renovating their building to be more volunteer-friendly (e.g., more bathrooms and yes, showers!). First Presbyterian includes a short blurb about each volunteer group in their Sunday bulletin. Here's an excerpt from last Sunday's bulletin on Pullen Memorial:

"Pullen Memorial was founded in 1884, just eight years before our own congregation in 1892. The congregation is under the wing of the American Baptist Church and is strongly mission-minded. They have been leaders in Raleigh in issues of racial reconciliation. In 1956, they declared themselves open to all people no matter their race... In 1984, Pullen, an almost all white congregation, established a sister church relationship with Martin Street Baptist Church, an almost all black congregation. They also have a sister church relationship with First Baptist Church in Mantanzas, Cuba. They sponsor Emmaus House, a residence for men who have no homes and are making the transition to financial stability."

As you can imagine, this church produces some passionate leaders. This week, Pullen is working on two home repairs in the county very close to one another, continuing the work of Old Union Christian Church at the Maggard room addition, and the work of South Elkhorn Christian Church at the Wells painting/porches projects. We'll post pictures soon!

--Kelly.

House Raising Challenge: Day Five

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:33:00 +0000

a storm's a-brewin'

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:52:00 +0000

You see those dark clouds out there? Well, no, I guess you can't. But believe me, there are some pretty threatening clouds "out yonder." Hopefully, the groups finish up their projects before they get rained out.
Today, I drove by Maggard's home near Vicco, and helped some of the Old Union Christian Church volunteers paint the outside of her trailer. I missed their first few days, but was glad to see that everyone was having a good time. Even a vicious, and completely uncalled-for, wasp bite couldn't ruin their fun.

As you can see, Maggard lives in a very wooded area. She wanted her trailer painted in natural, organic looking colors so as to blend into the scenery.

The rest of the group was fixing up a new room that has been added to Maggard's home. I didn't spend too much time in there with them, so to be perfectly honest, I'm not quite sure what the were doing. But as you can see, there were wires and switches and drills and it looks like serious business, if you ask me. (don't ask me).

Unfortunately, Old Union will not be able to paint the last coat for the trailer, but they sure have done a lot of work for it. They're going back home to Lexington TONIGHT, so let's hope bad weather doesn't follow them all the way back.

I actually have to go take their group photo right now, so I's best be leavin'. Talk to you later, people of the web.

-John.

House Raising Challenge: Day Four

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:47:00 +0000

House Raising Challenge: Day Three

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:50:00 +0000

"Oh boy, here's another one of John's long blogs..."

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:22:00 +0000

Hey guys! Guess what? I can now add a Jeep to the list of cars I've driven for HDA. Not too shabby.

Anyway, we were delighted to have First Presbyterian Church from Normal, IL and the South Elkhorn Church from Lexington, KY this week.

First Presbyterian helped with the framing of Slusser's new home (a photo which I posted a few blogs ago), backfilled for the Kilburn-Combs lot, and repaired part of Wooten's house. Backfilling can be tough, I know, but it's a good work out. Just look at these guys digging away. And isn't this a great photo? Kudos to Charlotte, my fellow Volunteer assistant, who is apparently more apt to taking artistic photos than I am. But check out this neat picture I got of some of the members setting a fancy new linoleum floor for Wooten: I know what you're thinking, 'But John, how are they lifting a blanket of rocks? Could this be magic?' well, BAM, they're not really rocks. They just look like rocks, silly. I've never seen a rock-styled linoleum floor before. It was a fine choice. Anyway, the First Presbyterian group seemed to have a great time. It seemed a nice break from the city life for them. Hazard certainly isn't Normal. (see what I did there?)

The South Elkhorn Volunteer Group helped out at the Wells' home with some exterior painting, and porch construction. This really is "Hammerin' in the Hills". The group was only with us for three days, but we hope they had a memorable experience. Since they only live 2 hours away, we expect to see them again someday. Especially, since they look soooo good in safety goggles.

But enough about this, how is everyone? Are you, the loyal blog readers, enjoying the blog? If you have any suggestions as to how to make this blog better, feel free to contact me via facebook (I'm the admin for the page). And yes, I know, the photos come out a little screwy and unorganized. Blogger is more complicated than you think, man.

-John.

House Raising Challenge: Day Two

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:46:00 +0000

House Raising Challenge: Day One

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:34:00 +0000

Here's some photos of the days progress!!

Sorry folks, this is gonna be a long one.

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:09:00 +0000

Geez, I have a lot of catching up to do. The past week has been so busy, I haven't had much time to post. Well I do now! So sit back and enjoy. I know you all love reading these so much.

Faith CRC had worksites all over the place. The group working in Defiance underwent the most grueling work, I think. Most of the week they were picking and shoveling and lifting dirt. It was tough, let me tell you. The even guilted me into helping them. Can you believe that? Most of the office couldn't believe their ears when they heard that "New Boy" picked up a mattock. For the record, people, I do work. I'm just more of the...behind-the-scenes kinda guy.

Another group helped rebuild Greene's shed. It was really fun to watch, and I even made a few sorry attempts at helping. By the time we had completed the project, Steve (their goofy carpenter---who claims that his nickname is "Big Daddy"), realized that the group had enough leftover materials to put shelves in the shed. So they did it, and they looked great. But then...(duh-duh-duuuuh)...the homeowner wasn't able to fit in her weight set. So the shelves had to come down. Sorry guys.

Oh! And we can't forget about Angie from Michigan!

Every time I came up to check on things, she was always hard at work. Wearing safety goggles and ear plugs like a pro.

Now, it's First Presbyterian Church (from Normal, IL) and South Elkhorn Church's time to help our community. I visited one of the 1st Pres groups working on a home for Slusher. When they first got to the site, there was nothing but a flat floor overlooking the valley below. In a few days, they've managed to put up both the interior and exterior walls. Things are coming along just fine.

Anyway, I've got to skiddaddle. I'll post more updates on the other groups later. Adios!

Six days until the House Raising Challenge!

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Next week, First Presbyterian Church of Salisbury North Carolina will take on the House Raising Challenge!!

In just one week the group will frame floors, walls, set trusses, shingle the roof, and leave the house ready for plumbing and electrical. Every day will bring new projects with new challenges and lessons for the group-- and their hard work will be very visible as the house raises before their own eyes. Keep your browsers peeled for daily picture updates!

The family of six will be moving out of their two bedroom trailer into the home shortly after the House Raising. We can't wait to welcome them home.

--Kelly.

T.G.Y.T.

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:48:00 +0000

I have already stated, multiple times, how great the Housing Development Alliance volunteer program is. But don't just take my word for it. Here are two interesting testimonials taken from some of our volunteers. You'd probably believe them more than you would me, right?

As Stephanie Visser tirelessly shovels dirt out of the foundations for a new home in the town of Defiance, she stops a second to catch her breath. She casually uses the back of her hand to wipe away the perspiration that has accumulated on her forehead. Stephanie makes a remark on the heat, and turns to look at her fellow Faith CRC volunteers. Their laughs are intermingled with heavy breathing, and they all gaze longingly at the shaded patch of lawn 30 feet away from them. Before picking up her shovel and digging again, Stephanie turns around and stands awe-struck at the natural beauty around her. "I love the scenery here, it's beautiful, you really don't see anything like this in Chicago," she says just as she buries the spade back into the earth.

For many, the scenery alone is worth the hard work. For others, it's about helping people.

Angie VanArnam came all the way down here from Michigan just so that she could help the Hazard community. "I was looking for an opportunity to serve God and people," Angie explains, "[and to] escape from all the stresses we imagine in our daily lives; to help someone in real poverty, and with real problems." Angie came as an individual looking for some volunteer work, but she enjoyed being an addition to Faith CRC. "As part of a team, we got a lot done." Angie had a lot of fun, and we're hoping to see her again really soon.

Well, it's pay-day, and we have the day off tomorrow, so I'm pretty excited. It's been a busy week. I'm going to nap like you've never seen before. Happy 4th of July, patriots!

And yes, I did over-romantacize Stephanie's story, but the statement is all true. Pardon my creative writing.

blogging hard, or hardly blogging?

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:06:00 +0000

Hello again! This week our visiting volunteers are from the Faith Christian Reformed Church in Chicago, Illinois. We also have a guest all the way from Michigan. Her name is Angie and she is really excited to be joining Faith CRC in helping our community.

Part of the group was sent to the Green family's home to tear down an old shed, and replace it with a new one. Their project is a perfect balance between destruction and creation. It's beautiful, really. As you can see, they just went at the cement blocks like angry apes, swinging sledgehammers and crowbars like nobody's business. I originally thought tearing down a big cement structure like that would take all day, but they did it in a few hours. Impressive.

Another division was sent to continue the work on the Patrick family's future home. They spent most of the day nailing siding to the walls, as you can see from the photo. Can you tell the difference between those who were really working, and who were just posing for the camera? If you can't, far be it for me to ruin the surprise.

Well, that's it for me. I'm sure I'll be talking to you again real soon.

North Shore, We Want More!

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:15:00 +0000

This week, the North Shore Presbyterian Church from Wisconsin came to help us with a few projects. They started off the week roofing with the Carpenters on a house up in the backwoods of Perry County, and they loved it! The scenery was amazing, and they all looked great. Of course, being the genius that I am, I completely forgot about taking pictures of the spectacle. So you're just going to have to use your imagination.

However, I do have some photos to show you.

The grouped worked a few days at our Moore St. Duplex here in Hazard. They helped to dig an irrigation ditch for the house, so that it wouldn't get flooded the next time we have a huge thunder storm. The boys never seemed to grow tired of swinging those maddocks, but the girls were smart enough to stay in the shade. After all the work had been done, everyone decided to chillax in the ditch that they had dug. Let me tell you, that work that North Shore did at Moore St. was pretty difficult and strenuous, but they pushed on and did it nonetheless. Hopefully, they feel accomplished. Unfortunately, some of the volunteers became ill on the last day and were unable to finish it off. We hope that everyone is ok, and look forward to having them again.

-John.

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:08:00 +0000

We here at Housing Development have quite an array of staff vehicles. Ranging from an ancient GM Van that smells like a barnyard, to stock-piled Carpenter trucks, to an abandoned Toyota, and finally to our brand new Ford pick-up. Since I started working here, I have contributed a few minor dents to the pick-up, as well as put the van in a coma for a while. As you can all imagine, my driving abilities earned quite the reputation. However, my luck changed yesterday morning, when we found our nearly-forgotten Honda heavily banged up in the parking lot. At first we thought someone might have tried to break in (which got us pretty excited for a little while). Turns out, our secretary, Tonya, moved the car and forgot to put the parking brake on. The car then slid off the pavement into the river below it, causing some pretty hefty damage to the front. When it was finally towed out, the back bumper was demolished too. And thanks to that mishap, my incidents are now old news. Phew.

Anyway, here are some photo updates!

We are currently working on building a new house for a man named Lonnie Maggard, and this is what the project currently looks like. Now, this might come as a surprise to both St. Joseph's and Pilgrim Fellowship who helped to establish the foundation, but were unable to witness its development.Central Presbyterian glady took up where the last groups left off, and helped raised the walls and hang the studs. Second Presbyterian (from Little Rock) were then able to get started on the roof. Now the house looks almost done, and I couldn't be more excited. This is the first house that I've seen constructed all the way through.

Central Christian and Second Presbyterian may cringe when they think back to those long hours spent raking rocks at the Airport community, but we promise that it was time well spent. Without that tedious task, a nice green lawn would not be possible. Although you might not see green right now, North Shore Presbyterian (from Wisconsin!) just finished covering the field with straw and grass seed. It just needs some time to grow. You got time, right?

Anyway, it's been a long day of paper work and typing, so I'm off to take a final group photo of North Shore. Blog you later!

-John.

Wooten update.

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:34:00 +0000

This is the project that we started with Central Christian Church (Lexington, KY). Good news-- the toilet and bathroom floor is now are place. More good news-- her daughter comes home from the hospital today. I know the Wooten family appreciates all the support they received from Central Christian, both at home and in the hospital.

--Kelly

Fletcher update.

kelly@housingdevelopmentalliance.org (Volunteer Coordinator) — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:23:00 +0000

St. Bartholomew started the Fletcher project with us last summer. What a great project that was. If you were here last summer and can't remember which site that was, I have two words for you: sauteed mushroom. (That's what we painted the exterior of the home.)

Before painting the home, it was scraped (by St. Bart's). We also put a new roof on the home, tore down a set of dilapidated steps, built a side porch, installed new drywall ceilings and walls in part of the house, and oh yeah, constructed an indoor bathroom (which they hadn't had the 21 years they lived in the home).

Besides the work, we all loved getting the know the Fletcher family. So we were really excited to take some members from St. Bart's out there last week to visit and catch up with the Fletcher family. The house was beautiful. I love the lime green walls in their new bathroom!

We really enjoyed the visit. Unfortunately, we did find out some bad news. Jackie has been in the hospital for 5 weeks after having a heart attack and stroke. Keep Jackie in your thoughts and prayers as he recovers.

--Kelly