The Rural Mission is asking for your help!

Mrs. Smiley and her family desperately need a new home

The old mobile home was purchased by Mrs. Smiley in 1975. It is beyond repair with numerous deficiencies that make it very unsafe, unhealthy and completely inadequate for her family. Mrs. Smiley lives in this home with her husband, a son and two grandchildren. The only heat is a small propane heater in the living room with no heat in the bedrooms. One window air conditioner works. The roof leaks extensively and the floors and walls have numerous holes that are blocked with boards and rags to keep out the rain, cold and pests.

The home has greatly impacted the health of Mrs. Smiley and her son who has severe allergies, asthma and respiratory problems. The deteriorated conditions of the home, especially the problems from cold and moisture, compromises her and the grandchildren's health and respiratory conditions significantly during winter and wet periods. The crowded conditions in this small home make life difficult. The family's annual income from retirement and social security is very minimal.

The efforts to assist Mrs. Smiley have been adopted and embraced by St. James Parish Episcopal Church in Warrington, Va. They have pledged to contribute funds and labor to bring the home to a framed and dried-in condition, fully roofed and sided. Locally, those generously giving of their time sand expertise are Stubbs, Muldrow and Herrin Architects and E.M. Seabrook, Jr. Engineers. St. James Parish Church has raised $10,000 for this effort. Their weeklong mission trip to work on this home for about 75 volunteers will also require about $10,000 which they have also raised. If you wish to make a donation to help this family, please contact the Rural Mission (contact info at bottom of this web page).

For later progress, click here.

Contact Chris Brooks to get involved: