Matthew 25 works to repair Cedar Rapids homes during Transform Week
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Iowa's News Now) — Tuesday marked day two of Transform Week run by Matthew 25.
The local non-profit works to help Cedar Rapidians through food pantries and repairing homes in the area. The sixth annual Transform Week is dedicated to a handful of home repair projects.
"We've kind of become known in the community as a place where people go to for housing support," says Clint Twedt-Ball, Executive Director of Matthew 25. "Housing is just one part of peoples lives that it just critically important if you want stability and an opportunity at success."
This Transform Week looks a little different than years past due to derecho damage. Matthew 25 will be taking on more projects this year than normal.
"In a normal year, we'd be dealing with 20-25 projects. This year, we're dealing with probably 150," says Twedt-Ball.
One of those 150 projects is Jennifer Leavy's porch. She had several rotting boards causing a concern for the stability of the structure.
"They are working very hard on helping keep my 100 year old home last another 100 years," says Leavy. "It's amazing. There are just so many ways these guys have gone above and beyond. Not just doing a job good enough, they go beyond that. They really put their heart and soul into everything they do here."
Leavy says that without Matthew 25, she would've had to save up for a few years to hire someone to do the repairs.
"To be able to have resources like this these wonderful people who give up their time and their love to help out a homeowner out like me, a single parent. It's amazing," says Leavy.
In the past, Leavy has given back to the organization.
"Last year, I volunteered with them and helped another homeowner with their house," says Leavy.
Volunteers are crucial in achieving the goals of Matthew 25. Ben Lohr stepped up to help this week for the first time.
"For me, it's honestly the happiest time when I can come out and volunteer. It makes me feel like I can give back and I've made a real big difference," says Lohr. "It's a really great organization. I'm super happy to be apart of it. They really give back to the community."
Matthew 25 is still is need of donations and volunteers. To find out more, visit their website.
