LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Volunteers across Lima are rolling up their sleeves this week to help neighbors in need with free home repairs.
Community members are spending the next several days working on homes throughout the city as part of the seventh annual Ignite Lima project. Organized by Community Relief Ministries, the outreach effort sends volunteers to complete repairs for families and homeowners at no cost. Projects range from painting and electrical work to plumbing, deck construction and full roof replacements. Organizers said the goal is not only to improve homes, but also to show compassion and share their faith through service.
“We know lives have been changed. People’s houses are now not leaking, or they may have been leaking for years, but these issues have been fixed,” said Matt Naylor, director of Community Relief. “We also see a lot of change in the volunteers that serve together. They build relationships that last a lifetime by working together and serving together.”
“Today’s repairs included the roof. At first, we didn’t know how bad it was,” said Kenneth Joiner, whose home was getting a roof replacement. “When they finally tore off the roof, they found a lot of holes. This house was built in 1936. We’re just very, very blessed. Some (volunteers) we know personally, others we don’t. But to see the community come together as a whole to come out here — just blessed.”
Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are still welcome to join projects in Lima on Friday and Saturday. Ignite events are also planned in St. Marys, Darke County and Van Wert in the coming weeks. People interested in volunteering or requesting assistance can find more information at communityrelief.net
