For the last eight years, First Presbyterian and First Christian Reformed Churches have undertaken a joint mission project in Chatham.
Over two days, a group of volunteers transforms the outside of a house for a needy individual. In the past, they have scraped and painted houses, built wheelchair ramps and fences, done general carpentry repairs, replaced eaves troughs, landscaped, and done general cleanup around a house. This is done free of charge as an outreach of love and compassion to the homeowner.
This year’s project will take place on Aug. 11-12.
The churches are looking for a homeowner in Chatham whose home needs some repair. The recipient must own his/her home, live on the premises, and have homeowner insurance. Unfortunately, because of liability, the churches are not able to repair roofs. All work must be done to the exterior of the house.
If you have this kind of need because of disability or other circumstances or you know of someone that would benefit from this project, please reply in writing to the Backyard Mission Project, First Presbyterian Church, 60 Fifth St., Chatham, Ont., N7L 4V7.
Alternatively, send your request via e-mail to office@firstchatham.org. Please put “Backyard Mission” in your email message header.
Include in your reply the name and address of the individual(s), what needs to be done around the home, reasons why this would be a worthy project to be undertaken, some assurance of home ownership and home insurance, and whether you are the homeowner or are nominating someone else.
Once the churches have assessed all the submissions, someone will notify the homeowner of the chosen project.
For more information, go to www.firstchurch.org.
