Ministry repairs homes for free

A county grant is paying for some of the supplies.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Dark skies and rainy weather didn't dissuade the Rev. David Bell and a crew from starting work on a handicapped-accessible ramp this week.
The group was part of a countywide effort, called His Hands Ministries, to make home repairs for the elderly, low-income and people with disabilities who don't qualify for current programs. There is no cost to the resident.
"I think this is a beautiful example of what President Bush envisioned with faith-based organizations working with social service organizations," said the Rev. Mr. Bell, who is pastor of First United Brethren Church on Eastbrook Road and president of the New Castle Ministerial Fellowship.
The ministerial fellowship and Lawrence County Social Services organized the project.
Camp example
The effort was patterned after a Reach Workcamp, a nondenominational Christian camp for junior and senior high schoolers designed to help low-income people with home repairs, while offering spiritual growth to young people, said Kathy Presnar, housing program development coordinator for Lawrence County Social Service
Reach had a camp in Lawrence County in June 2003, making repairs to nearly 50 homes in one week at no cost to the residents.
Presnar said they expect to have a total of about 150 volunteers, representing 20 churches, to complete the work this week. Volunteers age 12 and older were part of the program, which includes a morning breakfast and prayer each day at Epworth United Methodist Church. They are also given bagged lunches, and they meet each evening at a different church for prayers and fellowship, she said.
Donations and an $11,000 grant from the Lawrence County Affordable Housing Fund are paying for the supplies, she said. The housing fund money comes from fees paid in the county recorder's office and can only be used for home repairs.
Lawrence County Social Services screened those getting repairs.
Volunteers
Marlene DeCristoforo of New Castle said she decided to help because of aid given to her in the past. The county's social services helped make her bathroom accessible for her husband, who is in a wheelchair, she said.
DeCristoforo was helping dig holes outside the home of Pauline and Patsy Deli in Shenango Township. Plans called for a new wooden porch and ramp to be built off the Delis' front door.
Pauline Deli has been in a wheelchair since 1967 when she suffered an aneurysm, said her daughter, Julie Gettings of New Castle. Her mother had been able to use a walker or was able to get down the two front porch steps in her wheelchair with her husband's help until recently, Gettings added.
Both age 84, the Delis are now having a harder time getting in and out of their home, Gettings said. Another daughter contacted His Hands Ministries for help, she said.
"It's been wonderful," Gettings said. "They even came in and assessed us to see if we needed anything else."
Mr. Bell said the ministerial fellowship is working on creating a group that will be available year-round for emergency projects for those in need.
He said they also hope to make the weeklong work project a yearly event.
cioffi@vindy.com