Celebrating hope at Rebuilding Hope

Apr. 12—HENDERSON — Locals were in and out of the old Coca-Cola building at 414 Raleigh Road on Thursday afternoon, though, they weren't looking for pop.

They were attending Celebrating Hope, an open house at Rebuilding Hope. Gail and Randolph Wilson founded the ministry back in 2006.

Volunteers work to address physical needs by building or patching up roofs, wheelchair ramps and more — as well as spiritual needs. The organization is undoubtedly very Christian — but the work is the cake. Successful evangelism is just the icing.

In 2023, the organization received 236 new applications and completed 151 of them — 68 were withdrawn, meaning there was overlap, redundant requests, another service provider beat them to the punch or another reason, and 145 were left on file.

Last year was the peak in terms of new applications and completed jobs. Applications can only be submitted in person onsite.

Of course, the ministry has needs. Members raise funds through a barbecue chicken dinner that's coming up soon. Those interested should place orders by phone at 252-438-5132 and be prepared to pick them up on April 26 onsite. Plates are $10 apiece.

Volunteers are always a need, especially for smaller repair projects. Parham is hoping to get young people more involved with the ministry.

That's not to say there aren't any — Jeffrey Strickland and Maria McClanahan have been volunteering since 2017. The latter said she appreciated the opportunity to help people down on their luck.

Lastly, the 35,000-square-foot area around the building is in dire shape, dotted with potholes and bare of asphalt, as a handout reads. It needs to be resurfaced to prevent damage to vehicles and allow for proper drainage. The ministry is hoping for $100,000 for that project.

Those interested can donate online at rebuildinghopeinc.org, by mail addressed to 414 Raleigh Road or in person at that same location.