World Changers Organization Returns To Little Rock For Second Summer

(Monday, July 23, 2007) – Summer vacation may mean catching some rays for a lot of youth, but for the more than 300 youth who are here in Little Rock this week, the time they are spending in the sun is hard work. They are part of World Changers, Inc. and are here to make repairs to twenty-six (26) Little Rock houses.

“I welcome the World Changers youth and sponsors to Little Rock,” said Little Rock Mayor Mark Stodola. “Thank you for sharing of yourself.”

According to the Mayor, CDBG and Housing staff have been working with World Changers for the past several months to select houses, meet with homeowners, develop work plans, select and order materials and supplies, and plan the logistics of providing housing, meals, and transportation for the group.

The homes were selected from applications taken in response to newspaper advertisements. World Changers volunteers will replace roofs, paint the homes, and make minor exterior repairs as needed. The City has committed $50,000 in CDBG funds to purchase materials and supplies for the project.

World Changers, Inc., is a non-profit, faith-based organization that has a 18-year history of service to communities throughout the country. Over 300 volunteers from five states will arrive in Little Rock on July 21st for a week-long stay to make repairs to the homes of 26 low-income elderly homeowners. The visitors will be on-site at the houses July 23rd - 27th.

The volunteers are housed at J.A. Fair Magnet School during their stay in Little Rock. Noon meals for the volunteers are being sponsored each day by area churches. On Wednesday afternoon, the volunteers will have free time to explore the City.

Historically, World Changers commits several years to a community. According to Andre Bernard, Director of Housing and Neighborhood Programs, the organization has already scheduled its 2008 Little Rock project for July, 2008.

Homes at the following addresses have been selected:

• 2320 W. 12th
• 1114 Thayer
• 2804 W. 10th
• 2800 W. 10th
• 3312 W. 14th
• 3101 W. 17th
• 2009 Martin
• 2015 Martin
• 3613 W. 11th
• 3904 W. 11th
• 4609 Grand Ave.
• 2103 Tyler
• 1809 Lewis
• 1500 Buchanan
• 1900 Buchanan
• 1308 Hendrix
• 2811 Walker
• 3409 Walker
• 4123 Walker
• 4209 Tatum
• 3720 Longcoy
• 8425 Labette
• 9313 Vanderbilt
• 3715 Ludwig St.
• 4306 Foster
• 3707 St. James Ct.

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