Home. Perhaps now more than ever, Home is where many of us spend our days and nights.

For some, being home these days can be challenging. For too many families, urgently needed repairs can’t be completed. The cost is just too high.

Despite the challenges posed by the global coronavirus pandemic which has spared no region of our nation, even the most rural regions of Appalachia, our partners are carrying on with their mission to rehab homes for families urgently needing repairs.

Among them is our longtime partner in Jefferson City, Tennessee, Appalachian Outreach, which was able to work on four homes doing repairs on roofs and gutters, painting, and exterior deck construction and repairs.

Another continuing its home rehab mission is Ocoee Outreach in Cleveland, Tennessee where many homes were damaged by a tornado which passed through the community about six weeks ago.

With the financial assistance made possible through the generosity of our supporters from across the country, Ocoee Outreach was able to provide disaster relief to those homeowners whose homes were damaged by the tornado.

Their efforts included clearing debris, placing tarps on roofs to prevent further damage, and demolition work on homes that were damaged beyond report, according to Ocoee Outreach director Randy Bonner.

“We’ve also completed a wheelchair ramp, and made electrical repairs and plumbing repairs for several tornado-impacted families,” Randy reported.

“Ocoee Outreach has been blessed by the assistance provided to us through the partnership with we’ve had with Americans Helping Americans for several years. That partnership has enabled us to complete many home repair projects for low-income families trying to survive all sorts of life issues and hardships.”

Ocoee Outreach volunteers Darrell and Sharon Bottoms who have been delivering meals to a local homeless shelter commented that “This is another opportunity for us to love on another precious soul.

“Apart from God’s grace, any of us can be in a needy situation, so why would you not want to help someone else when you are able to.

“As local residents, we are extremely grateful for the partnership Ocoee Outreach has with Americans Helping Americans — it truly has had a great impact on our community.”