At a Glance:

When: July 26 - 31, 2010

Where: Eolia, Kentucky

More information:

www.mcc.org/SWAP

How you can help:

SWAP Team 

A group representing Neffsville Mennonite Church will be traveling to Eolia, Kentucky July 26, 2010 – Saturday, July 31, 2010 to put hands to our faith and repair homes of residents of one of the poorest areas of our nation. According to SWAP (Sharing With Appalachian People), a Mennonite Central Committee / Great Lakes program, both the poverty rate and disability rate in many Central Appalachian counties is 30%, compared to the rest of the U.S., which averages a 12.6% poverty rate, and 18% disability rate (based upon the 2007 census). Home ownership, however, is near 80%, which is much higher than the national average. SWAP has recognized that, as a result, many people in Appalachia live in substandard housing and lack the resources or physical ability to live safely in their homes. During this trip, we will help make repairs to sub-standard housing. 

The trip will cost $325/person, plus expenses to get to and from Eolia. In addition, SWAP needs tools, supplies and building materials to complete the projects. Since it is still too early to know what specific projects await us in July, donations of or for Lowe’s and Ace Hardware gift cards are welcomed, so money can be spent by SWAP in Eolia, thereby stimulating the local economy. SWAP will, however, accept donations of building supplies for future use (i.e. toilets, doors, etc).