Parishes Helping Neighbors to keep

The Office of Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese of Hartford is pleased to announce its participation in HomeFront Day 2004, a collaborative effort with New Canaan-based AmeriCares. This one-day home repair blitz targets owner-occupied dwellings in need of maintenance that homeowners are not physically and financially able to provide. HomeFront Day 2004 marked the tenth year of participation by parishes throughout the Archdiocese. On the 1st Saturday of May, 2003,  2800 people from 72 parishes and 22 interfaith partners transformed 35 homes and 6 community centers. HomeFront projects are selected by the sponsoring team or by AmeriCares. The homeowner must have household income of $30,000 or less per year. The house must be owner -occupied and the homeowner must agree that the home will not be put on the market for 3 years. Typical homeowners are elderly, a single parent with children, physically or mentally challenged individuals. The home repairs are free to the homeowners. Over the past ten years, teams have been comprised of single parishes, several parishes from the same area, or interfaith partners and local businesses working together on a particular project. Teams are asked to pay an entrance fee of $2,000 per project, which covers supplies to repair the home as well as insurance for team members. Some funds are available to support participation by needy parishes. The Office of Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese of Hartford assists parishes in planning and expediting this community building event. Materials for bulletin notices, prayers, and a blessing/commissioning service are also available from the OUA.

For more Information: Carl Gerstung, Parish Social ministry Coordinator, Northern Region;  U. Joyce Weekes, Parish Social Ministry Coordinator, Southern Region; Arturo Iriarte, Hispanic Parish Social Ministry Coordinator.  The telephone number is 203.777.7279, or click on our Ask for Info Page.  

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