Back row, Baldwin County Home Builders Charitable Foundation members, from left: Chris Farlow, Brian Armstrong, Alex Cary, Jeff Frostholm, Nancy Grace, Marsha Jordan and Repair Baldwin Coordinator Steve Riggs. In the middle is homeowner Judith Gibson, EMI Executive Director Sally Deane and Imogene Little. Front row, Eastern Shore Baptist Volunteers, from left: Ron Padgett, Lloyd Busbee, Rick Reymolds, Don Smith and Wayne Sanders.
Photo submitted
Photo submitted
Posted by Jessica Vaughn
SUMMER DALE – Before the Repair Baldwin ecumenical program came to the rescue, local homeowner Judith Gibson had no safe and accessible way in and out of her home. Now, through the program, she has installed a ramp that will alter her ability to get in and out of her home safely. The project was completed with support from Eastern Shore Baptist Church volunteers and funding was provided by the Baldwin County Homebuilders Association & Foundation.
“Having a repair program that addresses some of the bigger house repair problems is vital to the health of the county because if you let these houses go to ruin, you have a problem because where are these people going?” said Sally Deane, executive director of Ecumenical Services. “It’s always nice to be able to do something like this to save someone’s home. Another thing about our program that doesn’t pose all problems is that we do repairs on RVs because we know many in the county are aging, but it’s people’s homes. If we can get in and do something to prolong their lives, then it is wrong not to do it. “
Gibson’s home is the 600th home repair project Repair Baldwin completed in just over seven years. The program was launched in 2014 with an Impact 100 grant, and since then the Ecumenical Ministries program has run an average of 85 projects per year across the county. Of these repairs, over 200 were roof repairs or replacements and around 136 ramp installations. The program has also done sewage treatment, plumbing, and electrical work.
“There are older people who live on low incomes and there aren’t a lot of senior housing available,” Deane said. “You own this property so it is best to save it from deterioration and restore it to a state where it is no longer habitable. We have tackled this across the entire county and are happy to be able to do so, it is a significant turning point. “
Right from the start, $ 900,000 went directly into materials and labor for Repair Baldwin projects. Project Coordinator Steve Riggs oversees the program, including material purchases and contract and volunteer coordination. The ecumenical ministries fund Riggs’ part-time salaries directly from the general operating budget, the only administrative and overhead costs.
A press release from the Ecumenical Ministries said: “The program requires homeowners to participate in repairs. When it is within customer budgets, a small percentage of the cost is covered by interest-free promissory notes, which puts customers in the process. Your payments have returned nearly $ 90,000 to the program over the years. “
Big donors over the years include the Baldwin County Homebuilders Association & Foundation, Riviera Utilities, Baldwin EMC, and the ministries’ ecumenical thrift store, Emmys. Significant financial support also comes from scholarships, churches, and individuals.
There is more to be done and more than one way to help. Deane says the program is always looking for skilled workers, local contractors, and roofing companies to get involved. Volunteers for ramp construction projects are also welcome. Anyone wishing to donate financially can do so through the Ecumenical Service website at www.baldwinemi.org. By indicating that the funds are to be used for Repair Baldwin, 100 percent will be used for future repair projects across the county.
Anyone in need of a repair can complete an online application at the Repair Baldwin website, www.baldwinemi.org/repairbaldwin, or collect them from either Fairhope (564 Fairhope Avenue) or Foley (102 West Spruce Avenue) of the Ecumenical Ministries. Office. For more information, call 251-928-3430.
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