Waterville group organizes ‘Workcamps’

WATERVILLE – The Kennebec Valley Community Action Program plans to bring up to 400 youths and adults to Waterville early next summer to improve the homes of local families, according the KVCAP Deputy Director Peter K. Duncombe.

As many as 70 local families will benefit from the work of the volunteers of the “Kennebec Valley Workcamp,” which will be based at Waterville Senior High School in late June.

Free home repairs will be provided for elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners through the Group Workcamps program, sponsored locally by KVCAP.

The Group Workcamps Foundation is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian volunteer home-repair organization with headquarters in Loveland, Colo.

Repair projects will be concentrated in Waterville, but may include improvements in Oakland, Winslow, Fairfield and possibly other towns.

At each camp, about 400 youths and adults – all members of church youth groups – volunteer a week of their time to repair 60 to 70 homes throughout a community or area. Teams of one adult and five youths will be assigned to each home site.

“This represents about 12,000 hours of volunteer labor, worth at least $80,000 to the community,” Duncombe said.

KVCAP not only must plan and implement many details to produce a successful camp, but it also must raise approximately $15,000 to fund half of the cost of construction materials.

Additionally, KVCAP must recruit approximately 50 local volunteers for tasks related to the camp.

Consultant Chuck Roundy of Augusta has been enlisted by KVCAP on a part-time basis over the next seven months to plan, organize and head up the local effort, working out of KVCAP offices in Waterville.

Repairs offered through the Workcamp include limited roofing, porch improvement, wheelchair ramp construction, interior and exterior painting, weatherization and other work.

Waterville area residents interested in applying to receive assistance may contact KVCAP. Individuals or organizations interested in contributing construction materials, or in volunteering to assist with the planning and implementation of the Workcamp are encouraged to call KVCAP. Phone 859-2541 or (800) 542-8227 or fax 474-6614.