Schoharie Mosaic, a community organization of ten United Methodist churches in Schoharie County and the surrounding area, recently completed its second annual Operation: Home Repair. This project lasted two weeks in July, but planning and preparation for the mission projects began in January. Operation: Home Repair provides free, essential home repairs to homeowners in Schoharie County and the surrounding area.
Rev. Anna Binn Cole, project team coordinator at Cobeskill United Methodist Church, reports that 28 requests were submitted by area homeowners requesting help with various renovations and repairs, including decking, ramp construction, painting, carpentry, sidewalk repair (masonry), minor roof repairs, etc. After carefully reviewing each request, the planning team narrowed the list down to 12 feasible projects based on factors such as critical safety issues, homeowner disabilities, health needs, available volunteer and financial resources, and other quality of life considerations.
According to Rev. Blinn Cole, the projects included homes in Cobleskill, Delanson, Middleburgh, Gallupville, Warnerville, Schoharie and Sharon Springs. This year, more than 50 volunteers donated their time and skills to complete these projects. Volunteers ranged from seniors to teenagers and included both skilled tradesmen and those with no previous experience in home repair. Several members of the United Methodist Church and clergy from outside the Schoharie area also donated their time and energy.
Operation: Home Repair received monetary and in-kind donations from community members, local businesses, several United Methodist Church grant funds, the Joshua Project, and other neighborhood churches. Additional funds were raised throughout the year through drive-thru dinners, proceeds from Cobleskill UMC’s Road to Jubilee Thrift Store, and other fundraising efforts.
Rev. Blinn Cole reports that the need for safe housing in this area is critical. She is encouraged by the way neighbors helped each other through this community-wide project. Many homeowners reported that these projects helped improve their living conditions. She added that volunteers’ willingness to give up their time for Mosaic projects helps demonstrate the collaboration among our area’s churches and how “giving back” impacts the lives of people in our community. Due to the success of Operation: Home Repair over the past two summers, the program is expected to be repeated in 2025. Applications for home repairs and volunteer help will be sent out in January.
