BOARD

 Larry Johnson
President & Founder

 Dick Munton
Vice-President

Craig Flanagan
Secretary/Treasurer

 Tom Smith 
Executive Director  

Directors
Pete Grisham

George Hardin

Grif Leek

March Pigford

Message from the Executive Director
 Over the past few years we  have seen many organizations and individuals come to our area and help us recover from the affects of Hurricane Katrina.  It is hard to believe that it has been three years since our city, our state, and even our nation was affected by that disaster.  We at Carpenter's Helper have been working hard  to help in this recovery effort.  As of this date the City of Hattiesburg recognizes 154 blue tarps that still cover the damages to roof tops of homes in the city alone.  As a result of the need, Carpenter's helper started a "Roofing Blitz" campaign to try to eliminate as many of those tarps as possible.  This process takes time, money, volunteers, money,  and did I forget to say...money.  We are excited to announce that we have been awarded a grant from The Asbury Foundation that will aid in the process of repairing the sub-standard condition of these homes.  My desire is to carry out the core of the mission of Carpenter's Helper by getting as many of these families back into a safer and more secure home.  We are looking for volunteers to help with this effort.  If you feel like this is a project you would like to be a part of, please contact us.  

Again, I would like to personally thank The Asbury Foundation for this investment into our community.  With this partnership we will be able to continue our mission, one family at a time.

Thomas E. Smith

Project 07-028: Major renovations began on this project last winter and have exceeded the project's budget. Dozens of volunteers have contributed to this project as well as many organizations including Oak Grove Heating & Air and Adopt-A-Home. Unexpected expenses continue to arise. For example, while replacing cabinets TCH discovered a gaping hole from the floor to the ground and walls which could not safely support cabinets.

Worth note is an anecdote of providence: A wraparound handicap-accessible shower was needed to replace the existing shower (shown above) in an area beyond a narrow hallway. While reviewing units ranging from $400 to $500, Smith received a call from a homeowner who had just removed a similar unit and wanted to donate it to The Carpenter's Helper.

Thanks to Mississippi Power who donated $300 to this project because TCH switched appliances to electric.

Project 08-19: The Oak Grove Exchange Club partnered with TCH to build a wheelchair ramp at the Center for Prevention of Child Abuse in Hattiesburg, MS. The center is certified through National Children's Alliance. Placing a wheelchair ramp increased will allow the CPCA to apply for Full Member Child Advocacy Center accreditation by the NCA. (Hattiesburg is currently considered an Associate Member.) CPCA operates 3 Child Advocacy Centers- GP (full member), Hattiesburg (associate), Pascagoula (associate).  From going through the accreditation process in GP, Hattiesburg knew that we had to be handicap accessible before they could be considered for full member status. They plan to submit our application to them by January 09. This status will make a greater number of grants available to the center.
For more info, visit to www.nca-online.org and www.preventchildabuse.com

ARC Assessments: After completing a needs assessment for 107 projects for the American Red Cross, Smith will represent TCH by overseeing three of these projects where the bid went to subcontractors with which TCH has previously worked.

08-01: This project was completed this quarter with a generous donation from Temple Baptist Church. Our March 2008 update included a photo and description of the project. You may request a back-copy by replying.

08-05: This roof was repaired with the help of Temple Baptist congregation volunteers as well as church funds.

08-17: This is a project from the waiting list. TCH hung a ceiling, re-hung the facia and soffet and painted the gables. We also installed drip-edge on the roof. Some damage was Katrina-related. Fifteen volunteers came to help through one weekend.

 08-14: This project (for a widow) has just been accepted. For ten years she attended to her son’s heart condition in Sumrall. Soon after he was finally rehabilitated, he died tragically in a car accident. Much of her time and money for the past decade were spent on her son. She is in need of a new roof and bathroom.