KINGFIELD – For the past six summers, The Kingfield United Methodist Community Housing Project’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors has been repairing and renovating homes of economically disadvantaged, disabled and elderly residents.

The projects are completed almost entirely by volunteers, both youths and adults, from Franklin County and beyond.

For five years, volunteers from the North Andover United Methodist Church in Massachusetts have been spending a week each summer, working with Neighbors Helping Neighbors, toward the goal of providing simple, decent housing to local people. The changes made by the group, which go far beyond mere cosmetics, are being further assisted this year by a partnership with the Salem division of the United Methodist Economic Ministry. The local group provides employment opportunities, a food pantry, affordable clothing, household goods, and furniture through its thrift store. This year, the three groups were able to work together to repair four homes in Kingfield and West New Portland.

Over a four-week period during June and July, sweeping improvements were implemented by members of all three groups. These included constructing a much-needed bedroom from floor to ceiling in an unusable attic space; replacing hazardous electrical wiring and restoring a badly deteriorated bathroom; replacing metal roofing on a porch; installing skirting around a mobile home; constructing a rear fire exit to bring the property to code, and finishing and painting a bedroom wall that had exposed studding.

All materials used for the projects are both donated by individuals and businesses and purchased with donated funds. For the first time this year, the Community Housing Project drafted a fund-raising letter that was sent to 200 area businesses and residents. This campaign brought attention to the group’s cause and resulted in $3,300 in donations. The North Andover group also raises funds in their church, which they bring with them at the start of their work week.

Homes are chosen according to the priority of repairs needed, using applications submitted by the homeowners.

For more information on submitting an application, donating funding or materials, or on how to become a volunteer, phone Freeland Savage at 207-265-5600 or e-mail z@tdstelme.net.