More than 80 ladders have been collected, 272 gallons of paint have been delivered, lumber purchased and all the other essentials have been secured in preparation for a week-long home repair mission for the elderly, disabled, Veterans and low-income in Durant and Bryan County.

On July 8, 2012, 268 young people from six states will arrive in Durant to provide free home repairs for 39 homeowners in the area. The group will be building wheel chair ramps, repairing porches and steps and putting fresh paint on rooms and exteriors. This will also be a life-changing and relationship building experience for the faith-based mission group as they interact and serve the homeowners with love and compassion. The group represents participants from Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Colorado, Texas and Kansas.

One homeowner has already expressed heartfelt gratitude when he wrote, “We are so happy that you have chosen our home to work on. It needs it badly. We are looking forward to fellowshipping with the group. We will have drinks and snacks for the crew. Our home will be open to them. Since we lost our son to cancer last year, we don’t see much of anyone. It can get lonely. We are looking forward to meeting all of you.”

Dena Sherrill, Hope for Homes Project Manager said the homeowner’s letter makes all the planning coordination and efforts worthwhile. Sherrill also said the response and generous donations from the community, local churches, individuals and organizations has exceeded expectations.

“The response has been incredible and when the young people see the community support, I believe that will help make this a character and faith-building experience that will serve them the rest of their lives,” Sherrill said.

Beyond the work-day, actives include distribution of nonperishable food to local food banks, entertainment provided by community organizations and churches, snacks and refreshments will also be provided and the group will be visiting area attractions.

“Hope for Homes” is a cooperative effort of REI Oklahoma, Big Five Community Services and the Durant community. For more information, call Dena Sherrill at 800-658-2823.