Five RV’s pulled into a scenic location behind Wayne Hills Baptist church this weekend after traveling over 1,900 miles to get here.
The group of RV missionaries was here to do a job. The task was to start to build a Habitat home and get it to the “dried in” stage – which means the roof will be on and the windows will be in. The RV group has been visiting the valley and building with SAW Habitat for Humanity since 2007.
The group was welcomed on April 29 with a dinner hosted by The Ladies of the Lucille Davis Circle at the First Baptist Church of Waynesboro. The group will participate in a House Wall Blessing ceremony on Saturday (May 5) at 9 a.m. – at the Habitat worksite location at 105 Ash Street. The ceremony is free and open to the public.
Construction began today on a three bedroom home that should be complete by September. Kindra Washington – a resident in Waynesboro is the Habitat House Partner – which means she will contribute at least 100 hours towards its building alongside other volunteers. By doing so, this family can save tens of thousands of dollars on the home’s construction cost and have a mortgage based on that cost. It also means that a family who earns between $9 – $15 dollars an hour can afford the modest payments as the home is essentially one third the price of what a comparable home on the market would cost.
The Care-A-Vanners have come from South Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and Wisconsin. Some are full time “RV’ers,” which means they travel and live in their RVs. But they all have one ideal in common, a desire to help those less fortunate which draws them together. In addition to helping with a local Habitat build, they also meet new friends and see new places.
Showing these visitors from around the country a warm Virginia welcome are many Waynesboro businesses and supporters. While here the Care-A-Vanner volunteers will enjoy guest passes to the YMCA Waynesboro, enjoy snacks from McGee Foods, Hershey and Kitchen Cook; and lunches from Papa John’s, Shiloh Baptist Church and Covenant Presbyterian Church to name a few. Water has been provided by Canteen Vending Services in Verona.
“This is a great area to do our work,” said Harry Fritts, Team Leader and a three year returning Care-A-Vanner to our area. “There is something about the Valley that keeps drawing us back – the people are great and the scenery is spectacular. Our parking area at Wayne Hills Baptist Church is one of the most beautiful spots I have ever been in. We sit and watch the mountains, plains pulling gliders, the groundhogs and later… the deer come out in the evening, it is just one of the most beautiful locations we have ever been hosted at.”
SAW Habitat for Humanity has been an established housing resource for low income families since 1993. Families must have a minimum income of $1,400 a month to be able to afford a Habitat’s home mortgage. If you would like more information about the SAW Habitat for Humanity program and how you can help or be helped call (540) 886-1944 or go to the website at: www.habitatsaw.org.
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