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Constructive Kids
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Sometimes people are surprised to learn that neighbors just down the road are living in terrible conditions. Students had a first-hand look at poverty, and ways to help, in a summer program near Florida’s state capital. As Reed Galin explains, they strapped on tool belts and helped to rebuild lives. |
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SCRIPT:
(Locator: Gretna, Fla.)
Fifteen-year-old Addison Blackwell looks and sounds a lot like a roofing
contractor.
Addison Blackwell: “The drywall inside was broken, so water was going
inside everywhere.”
He’s been rebuilding homes for the disadvantaged since he was 10. It
didn’t take long for him to understand the reality of poverty.
Addison Blackwell: “Just how people can live in a house without
electricity, and filled with water. It’s just a mess.”
The students are part of
Love At Work. It’s a youth missions
camp supported by
Killearn United
Methodist Church in Tallahassee. Middle and high school students
have repaired close to 200 homes in the past 13 years.
This house is in the small city of Gretna, where close to half of the
children live below the poverty line.
Billy Humphrey: “I take advantage of all the things I have at my house
when I come here and realize the living conditions of all the people
here.”
Homeowner talks with teen worker: “That part was rotten? Yeah we had to
take out those boards and replace them. Alright.”
The students are replacing the siding on Cheryle Rahman’s house and
repainting it.
Hannah Eacker/14-year-old: “I was very surprised because I’ve always
lived in a community that was very sheltered and I never thought about
how close poverty can really be.”
They’re learning that a new roof and a freshly painted house are gifts
that make a big difference in the lives of their neighbors.
Addison Blackwell: “Feels good. Good to see you can do whatever you can,
give them somewhere decent to live.”
TAG:
Love At Work is starting to offer services beyond home repairs. They
plan to refer the needy to other agencies for food and clothing.
Students interested in joining the summer camp can visit the website at
loveatworkmissions.org or call 850-508-1697.