A 2017 Community Cares Day work crew repairs a house built in the 1800s.
The local community is one special place on the great coast of Maine. It is composed of many gifted people who are thankful to live and work in a region rich in beautiful landscapes and historical roots that go back to the founding of this nation. People are blessed in many a way and care about their community.
Since 1984, dedicated board members and friends of the nonprofit organization Community Housing Improvement Program Inc., better known locally as CHIP, have been reaching out to help those in need of a helping hand with home repairs, handicap access ramps, and winter fuel assistance. The mission statement simply reads: “Neighbors helping neighbors keep their homes safe, warm, and dry.”
After the national 9/11 tragedy, in 2002 CHIP decided to hold an annual event whereby work crews of approximately 125 community volunteers gather for one day and go out into the community to help their neighbors with repairs to a dozen or so homes, doing painting, yard clean-up, and more. The initial concept was a vision held closely by several CHIP board members: there are clearly neighbors who care for those in times of need. Thus, Community Cares Day was born and is held on the Saturday closest to Sept. 11.
On Sept. 8, CHIP will hold its 16th Community Cares Day. People are asked to please consider volunteering; preregister online at chipinc.org prior to the event. Walk-ins are welcome.
Whether one is professionally skilled or has basic skills, or just wants to help in any way one can, one’s given time will help make a difference in someone else’s life. Of special need are lead carpenters and crew leaders, roofers, those experienced in the trades such as plumbing and electrical, and people with pickup trucks and tow trailers. Those who want to help yet are physically unable should consider making a donation to CHIP Inc. to support its longstanding mission and work.
