We have raised $119,000 towards our $125,000 goal. You can help us get to the goal at www.arm-al.org/give
From September 25-Oct. 1, it was some of the hottest weeks on record and certainly the hottest week ever recorded in October when local leaders gave their time with Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM). It was hot, humid and in a drought, sleeping at night was difficult.
What was the purpose of the 12th Annual “No More Shacks-No More Blue Tarps”?
ARM creates sustainable homes and one way is through home repair. The annual event was to raise $125,000 and help continue working on Ms. Matthew’s home, a senior taking care of her grand kids. It also helped raise awareness about substandard housing and how volunteering connects us with our neighbors. Finally, it also raised resources to help tornado survivors in Lee County rebuild and repair their homes! In partnership with the Long Term Recovery Group, MEND, and other agencies and ministries, ARM is collectively working to rebuild potentially 70 more homes and repair 120 that need work rendering them safe, sanitary, and secure.
Who came to the shack? The Lee County Community was fabulous. From the Auburn Community there were visits from Mayor Ron Anders with whom we discussed tornado and disaster preparation and mitigation and the need for more affordable rental housing. Over 70 renters were displaced from the tornado with few options for renting that keeps their rents at 30% of their income. A visit from Todd White who serves with the City of Auburn Economic Development encouraged us in our work which helps prevent homelessness as we allow people to age in place. Furthermore, we had visits from the Auburn Police Department, specifically LT. Rob Rich and Officer Leonardo Gonzalez. Mayor Fuller and Former Mayor Barbara Patton came out, some of the Opelika Football team and cheerleaders, several pastors, and three National Guard Soldiers. Finally, Mayor Copeland from Smiths Station also came and discussed tornado recovery in Smiths Station.
Other events: Auburn University students conducted a mock homelessness event on Friday September 27th called Box City. They were invited to see what it is like to sleep on a box or mat and be susceptible to the elements. We discussed the state of housing and homelessness in our community and ways we can learn and act to improve.
Finally, we coordinated workshops on campus during lunch to review other areas of tornado relief. Specifically, Mrs. Deborah Owens spoke about crisis counseling while AU Architecture Professor Jennifer Smith, led an excellent talk on Disaster Housing and Disaster Housing Planning.
The heat connected us with the struggles those with low and fixed incomes face-namely not having a home that is cool and warm when the seasons change. Heat is a silent killer among our elderly. But now the real work continues as we look towards Saturday Serve days and hosting more groups who desire to volunteer. Our prayers for our community and these families continue!
Overall, it was a successful event! People can volunteer in home repair and tornado recovery by contacting Andrew Baird at Andrew@arm-al.org. To give, go to www.arm-al.org/give
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