A single mother, a disabled elderly man, a sick husband — no matter their situation, these homeowners need help. Their properties have fallen into disrepair and soon could incur code-violation fines.
And that’s exactly why CareFest exists. Locally, 75 volunteers from 10 Plant City churches and the City of Plant City spent last weekend providing services to seven different homes.
“We had a great turnout,” area coordinator Dan Morris said. “It is so hard for these people who are hurting. But it is also hard for those who have families and jobs to take a Saturday morning to help. And these tasks are not easy.”
Although seven houses were able to be fixed, there still are five houses and five families that need help.
“Most of them need to be painted or other handiwork,” Morris said.
Corporate sponsors, including Lowe’s Home Improvement and CF Industries, have helped supply tools and discounts on supplies for the projects.
This is the second year Plant City has participated in CareFest. Code Enforcement Supervisor Dennis Sweeney first introduced the event to Plant City. Through his work, he noticed that many homes were in disrepair — not because of laziness but rather tough family situations or illnesses.
Sweeney refers certain households to CareFest. Then, an evaluator visits the home to assess the need.
“We’re just doing it to help people,” Morris said. “We try to listen to the people who are hurting. CareFest is a good organization with good administration facets, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
To adopt a project, visit carefestusa.com and go to the Hillsborough County tab. The website gives information about the project, the family and the materials needed to get the job done.
Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
PARTICIPATING CHURCHES
Knights Baptist Church
Hopewell Baptist Church
Plant City’s First Baptist Church
First Presbyterian Church
Bethany Baptist Church
Plant City Church of God
Cedar Grove Baptist Church
St. Mary Baptist Church
Johnson Road Community Church
Plant City Community Ministries
STILL IN NEED
Address: 511 S. Water St.
Project: Owner needs home painted.
Address: 622 Coronet St.
Project: Single mother needs home painted. Eaves need to be scraped and primed, as well as window frames and sills. Kick plate at front door needs to be installed.
Address: 1602 E. Calhoun St.
Project: Minor home repairs, yard work and painting needed, including prepping the exterior of house for painting, painting and mowing the lawn.
Address: 1002 Tyler St.
Project: Elderly couple needs home painted. Home needs to be prepped and power washed.
Address: 802 Johnson Road
Project: Mother with disabled son needs old roof covering and framing removed, new installation and an update to the electric system.
ADOPTED PROJECTS
1705 W Ball St.
1129 Colson Road
1308 Frances St.
1404 Frances St.
808 N. Maryland Ave.
2911 N. Franklin St.
103 Johnson Road