Giving Thanks for 2009

As we look back over the past year, we are so thankful for the 12,823 volunteers who served 409 families in 25 communities in 4 states during this summer’s Youth Program.Of the families we served:

• 192 families didn’t have two safe exits.  Now, they do.  All individuals who live in or frequent the home can make a quick exit safely.
• 21 families didn’t have safe, functioning electricity.  Now, they do.  Their homes are legally connected to electrical service, not extension cords run from room-to-room or from another house.
• 39 families didn’t have complete plumbing.  Now, they do.  They have a piped sink with hot & cold water, a flush toilet and a bathtub or shower.
• 22 families didn’t have complete kitchens.  Now, they do.  They have a piped sink with water, a range or cooktop, an oven and a refrigerator.

ASP volunteers also repaired 192 roofs, 137 foundations, and repaired or replaced 194 floors. ASP updated the plumbing in 113 homes, installed 14 septic systems and dug 6 wells. We built 6 bathroom additions and 25 bedroom additions. Volunteers also insulated and weatherized 322 homes, and built or repaired 74 wheelchair ramps and 266 porches, landings, and stairs.

We invested about $12.5 million into the communities we served. This includes $1.25 million in building supplies and materials; about $1 million spent on food, housing, summer staff and other volunteer program expenses; approximately $1.1 million that volunteers spent on gas, snacks, ice cream, tools, etc.; and about $9.1 million of volunteer labor.
And of course, we know that ASP is about so much more than just home repair. 409 Appalachian families who had nowhere else to turn now have new hope for the future, a new sense of self-worth, and a restored faith in the goodness of people.  12,823 volunteers’ lives are forever changed – they have a greater appreciation for God’s blessings, a new perspective on their lives, and a passion for making our world a better place.  And we all learned that not even the highest hills and deepest valleys can separate us from God’s love.

But even for all the wonderful work we accomplished, 3,336 families (89% of those who applied for services) are still waiting for help. In order to meet the needs of so many others, please consider bringing a group to volunteer in our Adult Program this winter or spring, inviting a new group to volunteer in our Youth Program next summer, or making a gift to help us help others year-round.

We are so appreciative of all of your support and service to families in Appalachia in 2009! You have given them something to be thankful for during this holiday season, and we pray that you have much to be thankful for as well. 

>> Volunteer in 2010
>> Make a gift online