VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 04/17/08) - National Ministries needs more volunteers to build homes on the Gulf Coast during the 2008 Blitz Build in Baton Rouge, La., April 28 to May 17.
On behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, National Ministries is partnering with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2008 to build 11 homes for 11 deserving families. Some of these families were displaced by hurricanes Katrina and Rita and have permanently relocated to Baton Rouge.
Although 210 generous American Baptists have already signed on to give their time and talent to this worthy cause, 20 more volunteers are needed for the week of April 28 - May 3 when the work will focus on framing exterior and interior walls, raising roof trusses and roof decking, and installing windows, doors and vinyl siding. More than 50 volunteers are still needed for the week of May 12 - May 17 to complete vinyl siding, tape and float sheetrock, paint, and install trim work, cabinets and landscaping.
Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Construction skills are not required, but any knowledge of or experience with construction is appreciated. Volunteers are responsible for transportation to and from Baton Rouge and the worksite as well as a weekly fee of $100 for food and lodging.
Originally, the Blitz Build plan called for construction of just five homes. Because of the committed efforts of American Baptist churches and volunteers, however, the Baton Rouge affiliate of Habitat for Humanity was successful in obtaining a matching grant through the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2008, which is focusing the efforts of its 25th annual work week on the Gulf Coast. Now American Baptist volunteers will be building a total of 11 homes. Thousands are expected to volunteer across the Gulf Coast through the 2008 Carter Work Project.
More information and registration materials are available at nationalminsitries.org>Caring Ministries>Volunteer Ministries (http://www.nationalministries.org/caring_ministries/vim/index.cfm) or from Victoria Goff, National Ministries' national coordinator of Volunteer Ministries, at vgoff@abc-usa.org; 1-800-ABC-3USA, ext. 2449.
Hurry, these deserving families need your help! Time is running out.
Andrew C. Jayne American Baptist Churches USA Mission Resource Development http://www.abc-usa.org/