Saturday morning, over 40 volunteers poured into Neighbor's Place, the new housing facility for low income single women in Valparaiso. They poured their labor and giving natures all over the building and the leaders involved.
"We were overwhelmed," Paul Schreiner said happily.
Schreiner served as the onsite foreman that day as well as the instructor, motivator, and he is one of the long-standing leaders of Project Neighbors, who developed the facility in what previously was the HealthLinc building.
Dan Groth came via the Bro Brothers, a men's Bible study group at Valparaiso University.
"We got to be involved last year with demolition, and this year we are really enjoying seeing this come together. It's one of the ways we reach out," Groth said.
Others were inspired just the week before when Paul talked about the project to their Theology class.Paige Peterson came via the Alpha Lambda Delta honors fraternity as part of their service hours, and said, "I love working with my hands. It's a great fit."
Linda Kuker was one of the adults leading the flood of students, and has actively been involved with her husband Ron.
"We committed the summer to this, and it is gratifying to see the labor of your work and the work of the kids. It's fun to work for Paul," Linda said.
Jeff Lewis of Design Organizations serves as Project Neighbors Board President and Design Organization, donated all of the design work.
"It's been a total conversion from a medical office to a residential facility and we had to be creative to work with the structure and re-use as much material as possible to lower the cost of construction. Getting to know all of the people involved has been rewarding, and having fun with the contractors," Jeff said.
The bug to step forward and help bit both Don Langhoff who came via the Impact Group at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and his daughter, Hanna Langhoff, a VU faculty member.
"I feel like I am contributing and maybe I will learn a few things," Don said.
"They are earnest and want to do good," Paul said about the students. "It is fortunate that they all get an education and a sense of what is possible if everyone helps out."
Michele Nix who serves as Paul's right hand woman, communicator, and office manager for Project Neighbors, was making sure all of the workers were fed and summed it up the best.
"What is amazing to see is that all of these people want to help people that they will never meet and never see the faces of. I have seen their faces, and I know the impact this work has on their lives," Michele said.
The top eight units are complete and they are being leased out, and ten more units are nearing completion on the middle floor. It has been done with the help of many volunteers putting in hours, as well as people and organizations putting in dollars; and both are still needed to bring the project through to completion. Contributions can be made to Project Neighbors, 454 College Ave Valparaiso, IN 46383 and you can find the organization on the web at www.projectneighbors.org as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ProjectNeighbors.