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Gathering early on a recent Saturday morning at Gold Hill Assembly building off Academy Street in Spindale, approximately 40 volunteers received directions to various homes across the county for the second annual Day of Caring.
Hosted by the Multi-Denominational Coalition of Clergy (MDCC) and Rutherford Housing Partnership (RHP), the Rev. Stencil Quarles led the morning prayer at Gold Hill asking for the Lord's safety and guidance over all the volunteers and homeowners on the special day.
"This past Saturday's Day of Caring with MDCC (Multi-Denominational Coalition of Clergy) was a huge success," said a RHP spokesperson. "Thanks to the power of partnership and an incredible group of over 30 volunteers, we were able to repair six homes across our county, completing a total of 13 much-needed repairs. From ramps and railings to flooring and roofs, these improvements are more than just physical fixes, they help create safer, more stable homes for our neighbors."
Ruthe Mason of Rutherfordton was one of the benefactors of the Day of Caring. She no longer has to worry about getting out of her house safely in the case of an emergency.
"I didn't have any hand rails. They built hand rails, fixed my steps and now it is easier to get out," she said. "It was so much more than I expected." Mason said. "It was just wonderful."
Mason said there were probably seven volunteers of all ages working at her home.
"There was an elderly man cutting the grass using a pushmower. I felt bad," she said. "It was so helpful that they cleaned the yard and beside the house."
Mason said she met the kindest "little girl" and a little boy who "just wanted to go get my mail," she said.
"He was a good little worker, a tiny little 'ole thing, who picked up sticks," she added.
"What an amazing day it was Saturday, May 3, with the Day of Caring home repair work," said Dr. In-Yong Lee, pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Rutherfordton.
"We repaired doors, windows, ramps, roofs, steps, and floors. It was the second time we did it after last year," she said.
"Our hearts were filled with joy and our hands and feet were light with readiness to serve. I saw with delight the beautiful collaboration between churches and the Rutherford Housing Partnership. May this endeavor continue to grow and enrich our lives," she added.
Dr. Garin Hill and wife Rachel of the First Baptist Church in Forest City, also volunteered with the MDCC group and spent time at an Ellenboro home, removing window framing that was replaced by other volunteers. It was a good day, they said.
Rev. Pat Jobe, who was among volunteers, said, "We had 14 show up to replace a rotting floor, rotting steps off a deck and put tarps on a leaking roof. There was lots of prayer and laughter. White people and Black people were there for a home in crisis, a homeowner in crisis and each other. The kingdom was alive and well just off Old Caroleen Road."
Tricia Wheat, RHP's program director said a total of six homes, impacting 10 people, received various repairs including windows, building ramps, fixing decks, siding, roofs, flooring and yard work. Those impacted were six senior adults; two people over the age of 18; two people under age 18 and six individuals with disabilities.
Mrs. Mason thanks RHP for its desire to make the repairs at homes across the county for those who can't afford to get the work done. In turn, RHP thanks MDCC for the continued support and for every single volunteer who showed up to make a difference. "Your compassion and commitment are what community is all about."
