Thanks to everyone who signed up! Our pilot project is now full. You can find a description of the project below. Please keep in mind that we are not accepting new groups right now, but we hope to expand this project next year.
Click here to get pictures and descriptions of a recent build day!
Why Participate in the Building Hope Project?
Farmworkers feed the world, but too often they go hungry themselves. A recent study in North Carolina found that nearly half of farmworker families don’t have enough food year-round. The good news is that with a modest commitment of volunteer time and money, your congregation can make all the difference. Jesus said to his followers, “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me.” We are called to put our faith into action, and right now we have a unique opportunity to connect with the workers who put food on our plates.
The Project
We are inviting congregations to participate in building projects of chicken coops and small greenhouses for farmworker families. This is a way to help them save money and supplement their nutrition. Each building project requires a donation of $600 and requires about 12-15 volunteers for 2 partial work days (usually Saturday-Sunday). This building project is great for youth groups, small groups, Sunday School classes, etc. We’ll be working on-site with the families to get these items constructed.
Click here to download a bulletin insert.
Click here to download a one-page flyer.
We’re Interested – How Does It Work?
The first step is to register using the sign up form below. Our partnership of community organizations and DesignCorp (an award-winning non-profit architectural firm) will follow up with you to collect money, schedule a building date, and coordinate an orientation session.
DesignCorp will be responsible for collecting donations, purchasing materials, and overseeing volunteers on-site. Volunteer groups are asked to provide their own transportation and, if possible, a meal for one of the work days.
We welcome your donations to this project even if your congregation or Sunday School class is unable to help with the construction. To donate directly to this project, please send a check with the designation “Chicken Coop” to DesignCorps (see contact info below).
Requirements
All volunteers will be required to sign waiver forms (download form here), and the sponsoring congregation will need to have their insurance company add the North Carolina Council of Churches and DesignCorp as “Additional Insured” for the building date.
Please note that while we welcome the involvement of youth groups, we cannot accommodate volunteers younger than 13 because of the construction work that we’ll be doing.
Contact
NC Council of Churches – Chris Liu-Beers
27 Horne St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
919.828.6501
chris@nccouncilofchurches.org
The Building Hope Project is a collaborative effort led by the Farmworker Ministry Committee of the NC Council of Churches. Other partners include Design Corps, Student Action with Farmworkers, National Farm Worker Ministry, and more.