Church groups rehab flood-damaged homes
By JENS MANUEL KROGSTAD, THE WATERLOO COURIERArticle Photos
WATERLOO - As Saul Grant watched a group of volunteers from across the U.S. scramble on top of his garage and tear down his old porch, he could hardly believe his eyes.
It would cost more than $8,000 to replace his porch, and he couldn't even insure his garage because the roof was in such disrepair. But with the help of From the Heart: Waterloo Home Enhancement Project, he accomplished both projects without cost to himself.
About 400 youth from churches across the country have come to Waterloo this week to work on 50 homes as part of a national effort by Group Workcamps Foundation, a project initiated locally by Ward 4 City Councilman Quentin Hart in 2007.
Grant, 36, lives in a home off of Logan Avenue with his girlfriend and their four children. He graduated from Hawkeye Community College in May with a degree in computer numerical control machining. He has had trouble finding work at companies like John Deere and Iowa Laser because of the economy, but is optimistic his degree will help him find a job soon.
Last winter, he applied for energy assistance through Operation Threshold because he was in school full time and did not have an income. Through the application, his name was submitted for the home enhancement project.
"I think this is truly something special what these guys are doing out here," Grant said.
Doug Zbikowski, 20, of Naperville, Ill., helped tear down the old porch on Monday. In his fifth year, he said he is especially enjoying this year because it involves construction projects instead of just painting.
"I also enjoy meeting new people, and having homeowners sometimes come out for devotions," he said.
Jeff Weber, 49, of Grafton, Wis., used a week of vacation to join his son for the first time and help teach youth the finer points of carpentry. He said the camaraderie among people from across the country and different denominations has surprised him.
"This has been such an eye opener. I'm not a Jesus person,' but it's been a whole different feeling. None of us knew each other, but it seems like we've been friends for a long time," he said.
