What started as a simple CarePortal request made on behalf of a family needing temporary housing assistance turned into a remarkable story of community, collaboration, and action. When a family needed help covering the cost of a hotel room while their home was being treated for brown recluse spiders, Jonathan Richardson, 111Project Community Coordinator for Sequoyah County, stepped up to assess the situation alongside the case worker overseeing the CarePortal request. What he discovered was a far greater crisis than just pest control.
The family’s home was in poor condition, with structural issues that made the pest problem a persistent, ongoing one. During the visit, the family shared their plan to move into an abandoned bus on their property before winter hit – hoping for a warmer and more stable living situation. Recognizing the urgency and the deeper needs of this family at hand, Jonathan coordinated with local pastors, the case worker, and the family’s supervisor to develop a plan to help. Within just a few days, meetings were held with additional pastors in the community and the collaboration began to turn into a solution for this family’s dire need for safe, secure housing.
In a matter of two to three weeks, a coalition of churches and businesses came together to transform the abandoned bus the family had planned on moving to into a fully functional home. With the help of volunteers and financial support, the team:
- Cleaned up the grounds surrounding the bus
- Installed flooring and insulation
- Built six beds and a storage area
- Hooked the bus up to electricity
- Repaired a nearby water well to provide the family with running water in the bus
In addition to these efforts, a “church-entered need” request was made, allowing congregation members to contribute specific items, labor, and services to the project. The responses from the community to support and care for this family was overwhelming!
This incredible transformation was made possible by the generosity and dedication of several churches in Sequoyah County, including United Faith Church, Sallisaw SDA Church, First Baptist Church of Sallisaw, The BOD, and First Christian Sallisaw. Numerous local businesses also stepped in to provide crucial resources.
What began as a temporary request for shelter turned into a testament to what can happen when a community unites for a common cause. This story is a reminder that no challenge is too great when people come together in faith and action to ensure every family, every child has more than enough support.
