It’s four days in, and $50,850 has been raised! Two days to raise the remaining $49,150 and help Ms. Caldwell get a new roof and serve more families!
It’s Day 4 for No More Shacks and the completion of three nights! We’ve had rain, wind, cold, and everything in between. Our neighbors like David, Freda, Sharon, and so many more come to mind. No More Shacks tells their stories. God is our refuge and strength! (Psalm 46:1). God works through his people to share and show how God is our refuge with others.
Our focus is Neighbor Donner and Neighbor Caldwell who we have shared about before. Neighbor Donner is almost complete as the Auburn Building Science students finish their roof and vinyl siding. Neighbor Donner developed osteoarthritis and was unable to work. Living on a meager disability stipend significantly limited his financial choices, especially when his roof began leaking. Furthermore, water damage weakened his floor structures in his living room and bathroom, while a fire melted part of his exterior vinyl siding and damaged a wheelchair ramp used by his wife. Despite these challenges, he remains upbeat, appreciative, and has developed friendly connections with the mission teams. Finally, he and his wife drew closer to God and recognized their need and dependency on Him.
Some highlights of the shack:
Night One- the lock on my shack did not work and I could not secure it. Honestly, I was a bit unnerved. Not having the lock also meant the door did not seal and allowed more cold air to seep into the shack. My battle with cold was a little lopsided. I found a bungee cord, tied it around the small handle, and attached it to a protruding nail along the wall. As long as I did not get up too fast, I might not clothesline myself. (We repaired this day two).
Night Two- a person came to the shack and she said she was homeless. This wasn’t very easy. The day before, she was evicted from her home and her two children taken away and put into temporary foster care. An altercation during the eviction caused her to be put into temporary custody, aka jail. After being released and having nowhere to go, she said she slept alongside a building in downtown Auburn. As she shared her story, I reached out for help. Auburn UMC has a ministry with the homeless and a rapid re-housing model. I called my friend, Joe Davis, to ask for help and guidance. He graciously came over, recognized the person, and helped provide options. The good news is she was able to find a place to stay that night. I was relieved,d but it painted the picture of the struggles people who have no shelter and refuge have.
Night Three- The night was clear but cold. It was also loud but to be expected in downtown Auburn. ARM@AU students slept in cardboard boxes and cars as a homelessness experience. ARM works to help people age in place and keep homes livable through renovations and this event helps them see a bigger picture.
There is so much to do, friends. The government shutdown has significant ramifications as there are not federal workers to process funding streams used by faith-based organizations and non-profits. The Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNaP) provides food subsistence for veterans, seniors, and children. Already on limited incomes, these are a blow to so many families.
How is the shutdown affecting ARM you might ask? We have two students serving as Americorps/VISTA workers and they are not receiving their bi-weekly stipend. Recently, we worked on three homes that have funding through a home repair grant from the USDA. We cannot receive our reimbursement and this could begin to affect our cash flow. Fortunately, we have some reserves but you can see how this might be a concern. It matters.
I pray you’ll consider how God is our refuge and as his hands and feet, share this love with others. Help us continue our work to raise $50,000 more to make homes warm, safe, and dry!
Join us to spread the word on how we can love and serve our neighbors, extend an ARM of Christ’s love as we repair homes and restore hope!
Thanks a bunch! Lisa and ARM team
