For the 24th consecutive year, the Carpenter’s Project—a volunteer-based home‑repair mission running July 14-18—mobilized residents across Ellwood City and the Riverside School Districts to deliver free exterior fixes to homeowners in need.
“This was a solid year,” said Director Steven Miller. “Some of our projects this year were bigger projects than we’ve ever done before.”
Despite a summer plagued with rain, it seems as though the project was saved from the waters.
“Weather was a little bit rough on Monday afternoon,” Miller said. “We had quite a bit of rain but more than half of the crews wanted to continue despite the rain. Wednesday was basically a monsoon but that was our half day, so it all worked out. Despite any challenges, we still completed carpentry and power washing, we just didn’t finish all the paint jobs.”
Typically, planning begins in April with volunteers and homeowner applicants signing up, followed by the deployment of paint, carpentry, brush‑removal, and power‑wash crews during a week in July.
This year, the Carpenter’s Project completed 51 projects on 33 homes. Continuing a tradition of approximately 1,450 completed repairs over the last 24 years. The group usually mobilizes around 160 volunteers per year, representing more than 21 local churches and community groups, roughly divided between work crews and support roles like kitchen service and logistics, with youth participation (ages 13–18) making up a significant piece.
“There are a lot of people who put in a lot of time to make this happen,” Miller said. “Many are teenagers and retired folks. It’s awesome that some of the youth are willing to give up a week of their summer vacation and amazing that mostly retired adults who could be doing something out of the heat and a lot less strenuous still come out and volunteer.”
Volunteers focus on urgent exterior repairs—steps and railings for safety, loose siding or trim, brush clearing—and possibly energy-saving improvements. Projects are assigned based on need as identified through the April intake process, and nominations from neighbors are encouraged, especially when elderly or mobility‑limited residents are involved.
Preparation for the effort ramps up in April–May, when organizer teams begin accepting volunteer registrations and homeowner submissions. Volunteers are fed breakfasts, lunches, and dinners—typically prepared by local churches—which provides well‑fed crew starting work around 7 a.m. and finishing daily around 4 p.m.
Applications remain open to any owner‑occupant, regardless of income, and safety issues are prioritized. There is no requirement for financial qualification or church membership—just willingness to serve or to let others serve.
The 2025 Carpenter’s Project built on 24 years of transforming homes—and lives—in Ellwood City. Delivering safety, beauty, and neighborly care, it continues to shine as one of the most inspiring community service traditions in Lawrence County.
Want to get involved next year?
While the exact dates and targets for the 2026 project are not yet published, interested residents and volunteers should plan to:
- Watch for announcements from mid‑April via the Carpenter’s Project Facebook Group and stay tuned to Ellwoodcity.org for announcements.
- Submit a work request or nomination if you or someone you know has an exterior repair need—particularly safety‑critical issues.
- Sign up early as a volunteer, even for kitchen or support roles, to help ensure smooth logistics.
- Spread the word across church groups, schools, and community organizations to maximize impact.
Awesome project to support with your time or a donation.