November 2007
In our first 3 years, Helping Hands with Hearts completed 40 projects and spent almost 4,000 hours. Projects included The Chambersburg Cold Weather Drop In Shelter, the Waynesboro Drop In Shelter, the Chambersburg Food Pantry, and many private homes in Franklin County.
Last year we received 54 referrals and this year we have received 25 referrals from agencies within Franklin County. The vast majority (80%) came for the Area Agency on Aging, 15% from the Chambersburg Hospital Rehabilitation Unit, and 5% from other agencies like Home Care Nursing and the United Way. We have completed 17 of the 25 requests, 4 are in progress and 4 were declined for various reasons, the most common being that the clients exceeded the income requirement or lived in a rental property. We have completed 3 projects remaining from 2006 resulting in a total of 20 completed projects this year. Of the completed projects, 7 were wheel chair ramps, and 3 were porch modifications to provide better access to homes for disabled residents. In all we have provided over 1,000 hours this year.
After much hard work, Pat B., Jim M., Hans S. and others developed a much needed standard design for building ramps. Jim has the design on an old computer so team leaders can change the length and add landings, and then Jim prints the design which is used to obtain the necessary building permit and guide construction. Ray M. tested the process and was very pleased with the result.
HHH reached out to the Woodworkers of Penn National! To get more "Hands" in HHH, we checked to see if there might be a way they could help us. And they certainly did. Ten Woodworkers joined Jim M., Hans S., and Bob C. at the warehouse in early summer and, using the standard design, prefabricated 6 ramp sections, cut deck boards, and made enough mounting blocks to build a 45 foot ramp. Ray M. tested the prefab process on a 37 foot ramp in September, and considered it a big success. The main advantage is that it cuts on-site work time in half. Based on Ray's good report, another work party was held with the Woodworkers on October 17, and we now have enough components to build two good sized ramps.
The HHH Warehouse needed a total makeover - per request of the Quincy Township powers that be, and Larry M. led a work team that dramatically improved the structural integrity and appearance of the warehouse.... Many thanks to Larry and to all the men who worked on the project.
Hans S. built a ramp and porch for a man who, as usual, was very satisfied with his work. The man told Hans that if he had a business card, he could get HHH a lot more work. Fortunately, Hans was out of business cards. Our reputation is growing!!
HHH Newsletter Contributors: Bob, Fred, and Alice
