TESTIMONIALS

Julian Flonard is a member of the Whole-Life Work Mentor Program which is a partnership between the Raleigh Rescue Mission and Builders of Hope. As a current resident of the Mission, Julian is acquiring marketable skills and competency in construction with on the job training at Barrington Village. He joined Builders of Hope last fall and recently talked about his experience. These are his words;
“Builders of Hope has given me the experience of networking with all kinds of workers; the roofers, electricians, carpenters, I got to know them all. Coming from the Raleigh Rescue Mission, this has enhanced my social skills because I had to learn communication. I have the confidence to talk to anyone now. I am the lead man on the crew now. I’ve had nothing but positive support from Nancy and John. I can execute and be the leader they saw in me. They saw leadership. Change can happen. It happened in my life and I am grateful for it. Now I lead with communication, not demands. I can see the strengths and weaknesses in the other men. I’ve been here since the beginning and at a time I was discouraged, but now I see the big picture. There is development in me just like the houses. This work makes me feel good about myself. You can see the vision. I was like that (Julian points to one of the unfinished houses with broken windows, peeled siding and damaged roof, sitting on a truck, waiting for placement on a foundation and renovation). That is what I was. Now look across the street at those beautiful houses. That is what I am becoming. It’s beautiful out here. This is a beautiful project”. It has taken patience and willingness to see what this could become. Just like me”.

Lynn Daniell
Executive Director
Raleigh Rescue Mission
“As part of the Long Term Recovery Program, Builders of Hope provides the opportunity for our residents to transition out into the workforce. Our partnership with BOH allows us to provide a vocational program and training at the job site. Working on actual houses creates teachable moments through skill acquisition. Because the houses are going to those who may not otherwise be able to afford a home, it allows the residents in the program to give back and be part of some-thing tangible. If it was just another construction job, it would not have the same impact. This gives them ongoing encouragement and affirmation that they are part of some-thing bigger”.

Kenny Bynum

As part of the Raleigh Rescue Mission’s Whole Life Work-Life Mentor Program, Kenny joined Builders of Hope five months ago. As he looked around the site he talked about how good he feels about working in a humanitarian organization.
“There is a warm understanding here and when I work, no matter how small the job seems to be, I know that it is important to the organization. We were told right from the beginning that without our work, other things wouldn’t be done. Nancy lets us know that our welfare is her concern, she’s a people person. John cares too and creates the jobs for us so that our work ethic and skills can grow. Imagine an organization where other people and not profit is the mission. That’s humanitarian. You know I have been in and out of the Raleigh Rescue Mission a few times. But THIS time, having Builders of Hope has changed every-thing and kept me here. I’m doing the right thing. And, working for a profit organization wouldn’t have the same appeal. So many experiences have been an unreal for me, not seeing where it could lead. But working here is reality. I think it’s like an umbrella that pops open and another benefit pops out. Building a house for some-one who earns $55,000 or less? (He laughs) That covers every-body I know! One day I’ll have enough saved to walk up here with my own down-payment and have my own house. I see new home-owners come in here to look at their houses and they are as happy as can be. Builders of Hope brings happiness. You know this place is a miracle. How can a wreck be donated, move, rebuilt into some-thing beautiful, and then sold to some-one who needs a house? That amazes me. It’s a miracle”.

Rev. Phil Brickle leads the Lost Sheep Outreach Ministry and has the distinction of being the first homeowner to move into Barrington Village in February 2008. He shared his thoughts on Builders of Hope.
“So what’s it like being the first person to move into Barrington Village? Marvelous! So marvelous to see the transformations of homes and I am overwhelmed when I look at it. As a pastor, I am not often speechless, but I am at a loss for words in describing how overwhelmed I am when I look at the transformation. To be a first-time home owner and to come from a very small, dilapidated trailer to the home of my dreams is beautiful. This will be the home I retire to. In the future, I see a community developing into a wonderful fellowship from a diverse group. They will be families who appreciate their homes and support one another because they have seen the love that is put into the construction of their house. They know they will be welcomed into a safe community and into houses they might not have been able to afford otherwise. When you see love like that put into homes it helps a community prosper. I think it will be a spiritual community with prayer and opportunity for spiritual growth”.

YouthBuild: Building a Future along with a House

The YouthBuild Program offers job training and educational opportunities to unemployed young adults who learn to build and rehabilitate affordable housing in their own communities. Jeremy Boyd is the YouthBuild Case Manager for Raleigh and recently wrote about the partnership between Builders of Hope and Project New Build
“The partnership between Builders of Hope and Project NewBuild (aYouthBuild program) will help change the face of Raleigh. Project New Build actively works with youth in Wake and Johnston counties to help them achieve their GED and through their studies at Wake Tech, learn skills in heating and air, electrical wiring, plumbing and piping and carpentry. We are developing individuals who have decided to make a change in their lives to obtain an education and financial stability. Project New Build has partnered with Builders of Hope to have students use the skills they have learned in the classroom for on-the-job training at their housing sites. Builders of Hope will be working with our students to develop their skills into more than wood carrying laborers. At completion of on-site training with Builders of Hope, students will be prepared to enter the work force with construction skills and the motivation to make a difference in their own lives. Students will be working towards a stable lifestyle, which reduces the recidivism rate of crime and the influx of persons needing public financial assistance. Builders of Hope is not only offering affordable housing, but unlimited possibilities to the Project New Build participants”.