GPUMC VIM

The GPUMC Brady Bunch completed its first blitz build weekend June 17-19, 2011 by tearing out damaged ceilings and plaster walls, removing two cast iron bathtubs, repairing bathroom subfloors, painting an apartment, repairing plaster walls, and installing two outdoor benches. In all, 26 people participated in one way or another, donating a total of 232 people-hours to the project in three days.
When the Volunteers in Mission (VIM) learned on their first day that the Brady Building had a leaky roof that was allowing water to damage ceilings and walls, it decided on the spot to release $3,200 from the VIM fund to make repairs. Before the weekend was over, the team delivered the check to Cass Community Social Services director of operations, Ed Hingelberg.
The VIM team owes its ability to act decisively on the generosity of the entire GPUMC congregation, which has supported VIM through its only fundraiser, the Paloozarama dinner and dessert auction.
For more photos of the VIM team in action, click here.  User = gpumc  password = John316

VIM Team presents check to Cass Community Social Services to repair the roof

We have been cleared for work on the Brady Building June 17-19.  Tentative working hours 8:00 am – 4:00 pm Fri. and Sat.  Noon – 5:00 Sunday. We can adjust if necessary with some advance notice.

Construction manager Ed Hingelberg will give us a heads up a week in advance with an update about what kind of work is ready. We can send someone over any time to meet with him and make our own assessment as well.

Ed mentioned that the lack of funds for contractors to do licensed work is slowing progress.  I suggested we might be able to assist if there is a specific job that is holding up volunteer work.  He is going to review the situation and report back to us.

When can we meet to organize the effort?

I think we can do something with this.

Click to see Brady Building Photos

We have an appointment Monday April 25 at 10:00 am to meet Faith Fowler, Judy Harnish and perhaps a few others from CCSS at the Brady Building.

We’ll take a look at the place, then meet for some planning. Wear your construction clothes.

Here’s the link to the Brady Building.

Here’s the basic plan:

We change the name of our ad hoc, all inclusive, ever-ready volunteer team from VIM NOLA to The Brady Bunch. Initiation will not require answering trivia questions or singing the theme, but it’s not discouraged.
We make a significant commitment to this project. I’m thinking modestly at $5,000/year for minimum of three years (for the Brady Building and possible successors, if all work is completed by then).
We figure out a way — with the help of CCSS — to provide volunteer opportunities for people who may not have, nor want to acquire construction-related skills. (There’s a need to collect and package donations of soft goods for each apartment, for instance.)
We create a new scheme for the primary work crews that invites high participation at key times throughout the year.

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