Need a big adventure this summer?

Mennonite Disaster Services is building log houses in Eagle Alaska on the Yukon river. Details on that and their other projects are below:

This is the MDS Update for July 2, 2009
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ALASKA PROJECT
After heavy flooding this spring along the Yukon River, homes in Eagle, Alaska sustained extensive damage. MDS will begin a binational project in Eagle in July. We are seeking strong adult volunteers to help construct 13 log homes between July 13 and September 12, 2009. Volunteers must be in excellent physical health and able to assist with a variety of construction activities. Volunteers will be expected to work 10-12 hours a day, six days a week on a construction crew. Accommodations will consist of insulated tents with no running water. Meals will be supplied by local volunteers. Travel to the project will be provided and requires small aircraft travel from Fairbanks. Minimum time commitment is two weeks with preference given to volunteers who are able to serve four weeks or more. If interested, please contact our Akron office at (800)241-8111.


CURRENT NEEDS
Caretakers
Diamond, LA: July 25-Oct 3
Caretakers are volunteers who stay at the project to answer the phones, clean the MDS facilities, do small repairs, organize tools, and provide general maintenance so that the projects will be ready to start up again when the volunteer groups return.
Call if you are available to serve for any amount of time.
For information, call Sarah Yoder at (800)241-8111.


HOUSE BUILD IN COLUMBUS
Thanks to volunteers at the MC USA Convention in Columbus, Ohio, Kristy B., a single mother from Pass Christian, MS, will have a new home soon. During the second day of the MC USA convention, 15 volunteers took part in constructing the walls of Kristy's new house. More volunteers are expected in the days to come as youth groups continue to sign up. The house build is highlighting MDS' Partnership Home Program in which churches have the opportunity to partner with MDS to build a house for a family in need of a home. On Saturday, July 4, MDS will give volunteers the opportunity to participate in a house dedication before the house is dismantled and placed on a truck to be driven to Pass Christian where it will be completed.

DIAMOND, LOUISIANA
Disaster: 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes
At Mr. Ron’s house, we had anywhere from two to three crews working at the same time. Much was accomplished on his house this week! All of the siding, soffit and facia are now on the house, and crews were working on priming and painting the siding. We had a few crews working on finishing up some of the electrical wiring and plumbing so the house can get a rough-in inspection next week. Mr. Ron is really looking forward to living in his new house!

DULZURA, CALIFORNIA
Disaster: 2007 Wildfires
This week saw the windows arrive for the B house and the C house. The windows were installed in less than half a day with much credit due to good framing practices that had all the rough openings the correct size. With the house now wrapped and the windows installed we can get the next inspection on its way. The facia and soffits were also completed by week’s end with the house taking on a completely new look. The plumbing and electrical rough-ins have also been completed and now the sprinkler system can be installed. When the next inspection passes we can then get to work on the siding and drywall after the roof is done.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Disaster: 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes
The weather remained extremely hot and humid when the team from Harvest Community Church arrived. Many in the team had served with MDS before, and knowing the routine, were anxious to get to work. The week was entirely dedicated to finishing the interior of the home belonging to Ms. Marie. Trim work was completed and painted, closet doors hung, interior doors painted.


PASS CHRISTIAN, MISSISSIPPI
Disaster: 2005 Gulf Coast Hurricanes
This project will re-open July 5.

Contributions may be sent to:
USA: 1018 Main Street, Akron, PA 17501 or
Can.: 6A-1325 Markham Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6
Online: Donate
Telephone: (717) 859-2210 or (800) 241-8111

To stop receiving these e-mails, click here: Unsubscribe