Carpenter’s Project Completes 50 Projects On 34 Homes

Two words: “I’m free.”

Two words said years ago by a man in need of help and two words heard by a group of volunteers who helped make that freedom happen.

It was a moment that Steve Miller will never forget. Those words were spoken and heard after the Carpenter’s Project volunteers converted two steps into a ramp for a man who was homebound.

Miller has been the director of the Carpenter’s Project for 11 years now, and during that time there have been plenty of other moments and words and gestures and celebrations that have kept him and the other volunteers coming back year after year to serve the community.

This year, its 21st, the Carpenter’s Project was back to its original glory following a couple of lighter years because of COVID. This year 150 volunteers worked over five days to transform communities and lives in the Ellwood City and Riverside School Districts. They were able to complete 50 projects on 34 homes. The Carpenter’s Project has completed approximately 1300 home repair projects during its 21 years.

“During the five-day work week, the weather was amazing, and the volunteers were even more amazing,” Miller said. “We had a number of youth volunteers ages 13 to 18 who gave up part of their summer vacation to work outside help others.”

He said they had volunteers representing 21 churches, people who do not have a church, and the LEOs Club, a student service organization.

According to Miller planning for the project begins in April when the group begins taking submissions for work requests as well as volunteer forms. Crews are then formed to perform exterior maintenance for those who are in need.  Crews include paint, carpentry, brush, and power wash. There is also volunteer work available for those who aren’t able to complete outside work but can help in the kitchen to prepare the breakfasts, lunches, and dinners that are provided to the volunteers on a daily basis.

“We are fed very well,” Miller said adding that three churches come together to provide the meals.

The project runs from Monday through Friday and volunteers can sign up for all days or any day they are available. Wednesday is a half day. Everyday starts with breakfast at 7 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. with dinner.

The project accepts homeowner requests as well as “nominations” of sorts from neighbors who might see a need in their community.

“It’s important to look out for your neighbors,” Miller said. “The project is based off of need and there is no judgement of finances.”

The Carpenter’s Project was born when Chuck and Marsha Timblin were brainstorming a way to get the youth of Ellwood City involved in the community. So, the Timblins paired up with then Fire Chief and Code Enforcement Officer Connie MacDonald to determine homes and community members that needed a little help. That first year a group of six churches worked to complete projects on at least 10 homes. Now more than 20 churches are involved.

Although the project is volunteer based, Miller said the payoff in the end is actually quite big.

“Whenever we look back and see just how many families we help out … that is the best part,” he said. “We really enjoy seeing people and especially the youth coming out and helping others.”