October 31 to November 4, 2024

Auburn Wesley Foundation – 131 S. Gay Street

Have you ever driven around an area and new someone was struggling? Maybe it was a tarp on a roof, a sagging porch, holes in the siding, or some other condition that tipped it off. What about what you don’t see? Every year, ARM receives hundreds of calls for help with home repairs. Who are these calls from? Grandmothers, grandfathers, moms, and dads who are generally out of the workforce. They are mostly retired, seniors or the elderly, have significant health conditions and always are living on a severely fixed income. They are also proud of their home, love their family, and fight to make ends meet. Every month they play a round of “Pick a Bill”. Thus, when the pipe begins a small leak and starts rotting out the cabinets and floors, or a leak develops in a roof and it starts leaking and damaging the ceiling, the cost can be in the $100s if not $1,000s of dollars. It can feel hopeless and overwhelming. ARM matches compassionate volunteers with these homeowners to repair their homes. It is part of our effort to end substandard housing in Alabama. ARM staff and friends live in these little shacks pictured above for one week to replicate life in substandard conditions. You can join in this effort whether near or far.

Some Details for 2024 From October 31 – Nov. 4th, ARM staff will be living in a shack for a week to replicate life in substandard housing. It is to identify with what many of our ARM Homeowners face and other vulnerable families like them. The shack will be at Auburn Wesley Foundation (131 S. Gay Street) Whether rain, shine, heat or cold, we’ll be there day and night talking about how we can work together to end poverty housing in rural Alabama. ARM staff will be joined by community leaders, board members and other supporters giving their time by sitting with the ARM staff to help with the effort. Each shack dweller is invited to help raise $2000 while they sit with the ARM staff. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!   The goal is $100,000 to get ARM Staff out of The Shack. These funds will help to complete 25 more homes this year!

You can set up a “Wheelbarrow of Change”. With a wheelbarrow or bucket at your church or business, you can collect change during the event. After the week, have it counted and send it in for part of the count. This is a great way to get youth and children involved and help them learn about serving others. More Giving Options: 1) Go to arm-al.org/give 2) Mail a check to P.O. Box 2890 Auburn, AL. 36831 3) Email info@arm-al.org to make a pledge.

Glad you asked! Bring your kids and let them paint on The Shack. There are also opportunities to learn more about poverty, participate in kids’ lessons, and play fun games. With a $5 donation, they can get a free paintbrush to use right away as they help beautify The Shack! It’s a great way to help kids understand serving others and some of the harsh conditions others may face. We may also have a special guest make an appearance!