To the Editor:
Community Housing Improvement Project, Inc.’s (CHIP, Inc.) mission to keep our neighbors safe, warm, and dry has inspired involvement by many neighbors in addition to our board members for each Community Cares Day; but this year broke all records.
The previous five years’ work days were blessed with great weather, but 7:30 a.m. Sept. 4, we heard from Bobby Ives that rain was already in Biddeford, and coming our way.
That prediction didn’t dampen the spirits of the 145 volunteers assembled in 12 work crews, as most of the repair work could be completed that grey day.
A couple of crews needed to reschedule work, but all projects were completed by the end of the first week of October. In addition to the 12 homes repaired by the 145, 45 more volunteers worked to prepare tasty lunches of sandwiches, brownies, carrots, and chips for all the volunteers and family members at each work site.
Twelve of our neighbors now have better weatherization, paint-protected walls, safe flooring and decks, roofs that no longer leak, and mold-free homes.
Our heartfelt thanks goes out to all our member churches, businesses who contributed donations, food, t-shirts, and all the tireless people who helped.
Ruth Ives’ exhortation to make the homes of our needy neighbors safe, warm and dry has guided CHIP’s efforts for 24 years, and this Midcoast community grandly personifies Ruth’s spirit in their generous donations of work, money and home furnishings. Community Cares Day is but one day of the whole year we work to help our neighbors.
Fuel assistance is available starting Nov. 1. We were most generously supported last year, to be able to offer $15,000 of fuel each month of the heating season. If you can help, or know a neighbor who needs help, Please call CHIP, Inc. at 677-3450. Donations are always appreciated: CHIP, Inc., P.O. Box 66 New Harbor, 04558
Katie Huntington, CHIP, Inc.
Member, Board of Directors
New Harbor
