Auburn fundraiser aims to end substandard housing

On November 2, 2024By Karl

AUBURN, Ala. (WTVM) – Two sheds have been set up outside the Auburn Wesley Foundation on South Gay Street in Auburn. Alabama Rural Ministries holds an annual outreach fundraiser called “No More Shacks” to raise money for those living in substandard housing in east Alabama.

“It wasn’t until I went and helped someone who was working on their home and got the heartfelt feeling like, oh my god, this is something that could affect anyone,” said Lisa Pierce, executive director of the Alabama Rural Ministry. The organization aims to end substandard living in rural Alabama.

As part of the “No More Cabins” fundraiser, Pierce is sleeping in a cabin for four nights to raise awareness for people living in similar circumstances.

“Consider that when it rains, they might have leaks in the roof, they might need a wheelchair ramp, they might have holes in the floor, and they’re so fixed and so low income that they can’t pay contractors,” Pierce said. . “We’re coming with a lot of volunteers from churches, campus organizations and businesses who will be coming out to these families to help make these repairs.

This year, the Alabama Rural Department set a fundraising goal of $100,000 to help repair 10 homes in rural east Alabama.

Auburn University Senior Sarah May shared her passion for ministry and rural areas and noted that working with ministry gave her hands-on experience.

“One of our jobs is to reach people, sit with them, learn about them, learn their stories,” May said. “We’re not going to come in and fix things right away. “We want to sit down with people and learn more about them.”

Pierce emphasized that sometimes those in need most in our society are right. “We hope you can see your neighbours, especially neighbors we sometimes can’t see in rural areas. “There are ways we can concretely help them and give them hope,” he said.

Two days later, Rural Alabama Ministry raised over $50,000 to reach its $100,000 goal. If you want to donate or participate, click Here.