Workcampers arrive at Woonsocket Middle School
NeighborWorks Blackstone River Valley is proud to announce the success of our second annual Woonsocket Home Repair Program. In partnership with Group Mission Trips, 375 Christian volunteers from across the country gathered their tools and set to work on roofs, exterior and interior painting, stair and deck repairs, wheelchair ramps, and more. In just one week, they were able to repair 50 homes for a 91% completion rate, up 4% from last year’s 87%. Altogether 11,484 hours of community service and $280,000 of materials, labor, and permits were reinvested into the community. Furthermore, the Workcampers collected and donated 2,484 perishable items for Connecting for Children & Families (CCF) in Woonsocket.
Antonio Rodriguez, NWBRV Community Engagement Specialist, with the Workcampers and their newly constructed handicap-accessible ramp
The impact can undeniably be seen in the numbers, but it is truly felt and heard through the feedback from the community. “Words can never do it justice,” writes Eugene Gronich, “our lives were transformed by this amazing group of friends. It was a life altering experience and the home was just one small part of it.” The groups and their hosts made heartfelt connections in their short time together. Robert Desautels, a lifelong resident of Woonsocket, hosted a cook-out for the groups in his neighborhood on the final day of work. “It just gives an adult hope, knowing good people are out there.”
