Huntsville, Ala. --- Mayor Loretta Spencer presented awards to church and volunteer groups who participated in the Emergency Home Repair Program administered by the city’s Community Development Department. “Volunteering with programs for the benefit of others is one of the most rewarding actions an individual can take,” Mayor Spencer commented. “I would like to thank you for taking an active role to help those in the community who needed it. The time and kindness you have given has made a significant difference in the quality of life of those assisted.”

During 2006 a record number of volunteers lifted their hands to help. More than 900 volunteers assisted 91 homeowners in making needed exterior repairs. Repairs included new roofs, exterior painting, siding replacement and other structural repairs.

“We hope that we will have the ability to assist more homeowners this year,” Jerry Galloway, director of Community Development said. “Seeing this type of participation encourages everyone involved.”

In January 2004, the Community Development department began partnering with local churches and volunteer groups to provide the Emergency Home Repair Program for low-income, elderly or disabled homeowners in the city. All building materials necessary are provided through the city’s Community Development department. Volunteers provide the labor, so there is no cost for the homeowners.

One of the primary missions of the city’s Community Development department is to stabilize lower income neighborhoods. The Emergency Home Repair Program’s goal is to improve living conditions and opportunities who are low-income and/or disabled persons by removing imminent health and safety hazards.

The following churches and volunteer groups were recognized:

Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers & Madison County Bar Association
Bethlehem Baptist Church
Catholic Youth Group
Farley Community Church
First Baptist Church (Governors Drive)
First Missionary Baptist Church, Blue Springs Road
Hillsboro Heights Baptist Church
North Alabama Catholic Youth Groups
Madison Mobile Storage
Mount Zion Baptist Church
Pentecostal Lighthouse Church
Trinity United Methodist Church
The Rock Family Worship Center
Wilson Lumber Company

Churches and volunteer groups that would like to participate in the Emergency Home Repair Program should contact the City of Huntsville’s Community Development Department at 427-5400.

More Huntsville Articles l Huntsville Newsletter l Huntsville Events