There is a critical need for housing in many areas of our country, but nowhere is the need as great as in Appalachia. In Wayne County, WV, there are few job opportunities, and unemployment rates easily exceed 25%.
Houses of Hope is an organization founded at Immaculate Conception Parish to provide housing for the homeless in Appalachia. We focus our support on individuals and families with incomes below the official U.S. poverty line. Houses of Hope constructs its houses with volunteer labor and with building materials that are donated or are bought with funds contributed by parishioners. We are able to build a small 2-3 bedroom house for between $20,000 and $26,000.
Houses of Hope has successfully built eight houses in the past fifthteen years. These homes have each been a tremendous success for the program, the families who were helped, the volunteers who assisted in construction and the donors who supported the effort financially.
Immaculate Conception is once again participating in the Wayne County Work Camp. Forty students and chaperones will spend a week in West Virginia repairing houses, trailers and shacks. Typically the Work Camp repairs 40-45 homes each year through this program. Your donations will help to make both of these important programs a success.
For more information, please contact The Social Ministry Office at 725-1112 x1126 Thank You!