More than 375 volunteers are spending the week of June 22-26 repairing and maintaining homes in two Cedar Rapids neighborhoods as part of Matthew 25’s 11th annual Transform Week.
The effort targets the Taylor and Time Check communities, where volunteers are tackling more than 38 projects including exterior painting, roofing, window and door replacements, stair and porch rebuilding, landscaping, and repairs to gutters, fences and siding. Qualifying low-income homeowners receive the work at no cost, with the program funded through volunteer labor, sponsorships and grants.
Courtney Ball, executive director of Matthew 25, said Transform Week has grown into a central part of the organization’s mission for reasons that extend beyond the repairs themselves.
“It brings people together from many different walks of life,” Ms. Ball said. “It creates time and space to practice kindness and generosity and gratitude. It helps people look beyond themselves and their typical daily concerns to be part of something bigger. And it reminds us how fun it can be to do meaningful work together. The end result is stronger homes and a stronger sense of community.”
For some recipients, the program is what makes continued homeownership possible. Verne Daugherty, a homeowner in one of the target neighborhoods, said the work is filling a gap he can no longer manage on his own.
“Since my wife passed away, I’ve been living here on my own and can’t keep up with all the home maintenance projects,” Mr. Daugherty said. “Having Matthew 25 complete this work helps me continue living in my home, and I am so thankful.”
More information is available at matthew-25.org/transform.
