Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers help homeowners

At least 75 volunteers will scatter throughout Central Whidbey Island Saturday to lend a hand to homeowners who need some help.

Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers will hold its annual work day May 7, gathering at Living Hope Foursquare Church on Broadway in Coupeville before heading out to their assigned projects.

“We have accepted 21 projects, which is an increase this year over last year,” said Vickie Chambers, a board member. Last year, volunteers helped 17 homeowners.

She said the projects this year include repairing rotten decks, repairing roofs, lawn work and installing new equipment. The aim is to help homeowners physically unable to do the work themselves, or those who can’t afford to hire someone else to do the job. For example, the house she is scheduled to help on needed repairs after the water heater flooded the building’s interior. Chambers said the home’s roof leaks and its owner, a disabled woman in her 40s, couldn’t complete the repairs.

“We go in to get their homes up to code,” Chambers said.

Volunteers are split up into teams. The size of the team depends on the complexity of the project and their ability to complete each project in one day. Following the work day, volunteers and participating homeowners are invited back to Living Hope Foursquare Church to celebrate their efforts.

Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers helps out needy homeowners living within the boundaries of the Coupeville School District. The volunteer program originated on South Whidbey Island which is also holding its work day Saturday.

Chambers said homeowners who receive help qualify based on financial and physical limitations.

Although 75 people have signed up to lend a hand, Chambers said the group could use between 15 and 20 additional people.

To participate in the Central Whidbey Hearts and Hammers work day, call 240-2964 before Saturday. For more information, go to www.centralwhidbeyheartsandhammers.com.

Contact Whidbey News Times Staff reporter Nathan Whalen at nwhalen@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360-675-6611 ext. 5058.

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