HEARTS AND HAMMERS

          In 1993 Lynn Willeford had a vision to create a sense of community and outreach in our local area. This vision took the form of a program that we now call Hearts and Hammers. Her intention was threefold
          *Fix houses
          *Build community
          *Help young people get started in volunteer programs

          Lynn wanted to find a way for people to do hands on work for homeowners who were elderly, disabled, or low income. She assembled a group of community people who would assist and support her in making this vision a reality. I was one of the early board members.
          The first year was a huge learning curve for all of us. Hearts and Hammers learned how to acquire insurance for the workday, how to find grant money, how to ask businesses for donations, how to set up a tax-deductible entity and much more.
          Finally Hearts and Hammers was ready to accept applications. Ads went in the local newspaper advertising for homes that needed work. We found that it wasn't easy for people to ask for help - especially from an unproven, new group. It was like we were getting ready for a huge party and what if nobody came? How could we make it feel like neighbors helping neighbors rather than charity?

THE FIRST YEAR

          That first year we had eight houses to work on. A house captain was assigned to head up the work force for each home. Volunteers signed up to help and were assigned to a particular team. Donations were solicited from the community to pay for materials for each project. Local businesses were very generous at donating materials or giving them to us at cost. All the work was done on one day. Volunteers repaired roofs, decks, plumbing, tamed overgrown yards, removed garbage, painted, put in new flooring, chopped wood, built handicap ramps and much more. Homeowners paid nothing.
          After the workday was finished, a free dinner was provided for the volunteers and homeowners. House captains gave reports of what was accomplished and some of the homeowners told what the day was like for them. The kids on the jobs were thanked for being part of this energetic day of fixing, painting, mending, building and replacing. Meaningful moments were shared as the stories of the day were told. Four politicians with widely differing political positions were intentionally put on the same job with the admonition that they were not to talk politics. On another job the crew put in a new cement wheelchair ramp and the homeowner asked all the volunteers to carve their names in the cement before it dried.

          Homeowners are an important part of the projects. One of them made homemade tamales for their entire crew. Some baked cookies, offered water and juice, and worked side by side with the volunteers if they were able. Some have returned the next year to work on someone else's home. The feeling is that the circle comes round. One day any of us could be the ones who need a helping hand. We in this community know that help is available if and when the time comes; meanwhile we assist those who are in need.
          As the word spread about the spirit and integrity of the program, the stigma of needing and asking for help has dissipated. Volunteers usually think they are doing a good deed for someone else when they start to work on an assignment. What most people find out is that working together is fun. The experience is transformed from simply helping out to creating meaningful memories together and a sense of community for the homeowners as well as the helpers.

          Hearts and Hammers has been operating for more than ten years now. A budget of $25,000 and a crew of four hundred move out to assist at least thirty homes annually.

          For more information about Hearts and Hammers and how to start one in your community go to their website www.heartsandhammers.com

          A sense of satisfaction from sharing and helping others makes magical moments in a community setting.

          Be sure to share your story with us by contacting info@mark-the-moment.com