Housing Development Alliance

Hey, y'all. I'm taking tomorrow off early, so I thought I'd better post a blog now. Temple University has been doing an AMAZING job this week. I've talked to all the volunteers and they have nothing but good things to say.

The Airport group that has been framing a house is shocked at their own progress. When they started, the site was nothing more but some exterior walls. Now, there are inner walls and a roof! They'll be shingling tomorrow. This morning, each volunteer took turns using the shingle-lift to raise the trusses and were each congratulated with a round of high-fives. The other airport group had the tedious task of raking rocks and painting blocks, but they got to enjoy the air conditioned house as well. At lunch, they even caught our Carpenter, Bobby, grooving to the "Fresh Prince" theme song.

The students at Typo have completed the deck, as well as the Lott's Creek crew. The new decks look great compared to the old ones that existed prior. The Lott's Creek kids were even treated to cornbread and ice cream by the generous homeowner. And last, but not least, the Defiance group has finished insulating both homes and painting the blocks. All our carpenters are impressed with not only the efficiency of the groups, but their unceasing enthusiasm to help the community as well.

Temple has been gracious enough to invite me to some of their dinners, giving me an opportunity to communicate with them even more. They're touched by the welcomes they have received while being here. First Presbyterian members have made multiple desserts for the volunteers, and a charitable businessman even paid for half of their dinners when they went to France's Diner. Scott McReynolds, our Executive Director, stopped by last night and talked with the group for a while. Scott's moving words about our cause inspired the workers even more, and really solidified their motivation for volunteering. This morning, I kept hearing how "cool" Scott is, so it was a good thing he stopped by.

I think everyone, myself especially included, will be miss Temple when they leave. They better come back next Summer!