Inspiring Hope - A volunteer for the long term

 Inspiring Hope - Join me as I feature incredible people who are making a difference for families affected by the wildfires in Lake County, California.  I have the privilege of meeting homeowners, volunteers and local business leaders who are making Lake County a better place.  Today we highlight a volunteer who has gone beyond just a week of serving at Hope City. 

You can view our previous blog about one of our business partners who brings the lumber to the worksite and so much more. http://cityofhopeforkids.blogspot.com/2016/11/inspiring-hope-rebuilding-partner-with.html


Paul Elmore pulled into Middletown Central Park, set up his fifth wheel trailer and headed inside to meet the group who was in the for the week.  He had been looking forward to volunteering with Hope City since early in 2016, but other obligations kept him busy until September.  Paul would join the volunteer team in camp and spent the week making friends and helping to build.

Paul's original plan was to drive from his home in Tehachapi, California and volunteer for two weeks, then spend a week at home and come back to volunteer for two weeks, but when he came, he stayed for five weeks and worked each week with whatever team was in town.  Paul's extended stay was made easier when his wife made the 6 hour journey to visit for a week.

Paul Elmore shares during a family night evening with volunteers and homeowners.

As a long term volunteer, Paul has filled a variety of roles and worked on all of the home sites.

A foundation coming together on Cobb.

Paul said, "I get more out of volunteering that I give."  He has worked hard on a variety of building projects.  He fills in where needed and even has helped with the grilling for family night.

Grilling with style.

Paul first connected with Hope Crisis Response Network in 2012 when he was looking for a place to volunteer and since he grew up in Indiana, he wanted to help with a small community in Southern Indiana that had been devastated by tornadoes.  He planned a trip to Henryville and upon coming into town was sent to meet with Kevin Cox.  Paul worked one day with another organization and then spent a day at a HCRN build site.  He was impressed with the quality of their leadership and the quality home they were building and continued to work with them.  He finished out the week volunteering with them and then planned a trip and brought out 19 people for a week. 

Paul said, "I was impressed with their focus on devoting money raised for rebuilding, going strictly for rebuilding.  I've been promoting HCRN ever since that first trip."

Paul has been a great volunteer this fall and we look forward to his continuing presence at Hope City.

You can join Hope City as a long term volunteer as well.  We have RV hook-ups available and plenty of opportunities to serve.

Contact us today to join Paul as a long term volunteer here at Hope City!

Rebuilding homes, restoring lives!