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Why is West Central Communities Action sponsoring this project?
Group Workcamps, Inc. contacted West Central Minnesota Communities Action, Inc. (WCMCA) because it wanted the opportunity to bring this service to Western Minnesota. It fits WCMCA’s mission and provides an opportunity to partner with other community agencies and organizations. WCMCA, Inc. will be co-sponsoring a Group Work Camp Project in Traverse County in the Summer of 2008.
Why do we need this service?
The West Central area of Minnesota has many households on low or fixed incomes that may not qualify to receive services from any other source. Many are not physically or financially able to make needed repairs to their homes.
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Who will be eligible for this service?
Eligible households will be chosen from applicants who live within approximately a 30-mile driving distance from the campsite at the Wheaton Schools. The criteria will be based on client need, the amount of work, level of work to be done on the home, and the skills of the campers. Both town and rural residents will be eligible.
What is required of the resident?
The resident must commit to having someone at the home during the time that the workers are there. They must have a bathroom and drinking water accessible.
Where do the campers come from?
The campers are part of church youth groups from across the United States. They fundraise and are each required to pay $365 to attend the camp. There is one adult leader for every five-six campers. West Central Minnesota is one of the most requested areas to visit by the campers.
Where will the campers be staying?
The campers will stay at the Wheaton High School. They provide their own transportation to the work sites and are supervised by the adult leaders and Workcamp Staff.
How is the work funded?
A portion of the money for the materials comes from the camper fees. West Central Minnesota Communities Action, Inc., as a co-sponsor will organize fundraising efforts. The goal is to raise a minimum of $17,500. More dollars raised will allow more households to be served.
What kinds of work will be done?
Most jobs that will be done will require only basic building skills such as painting, caulking, weather-stripping, and simple carpentry. More complex jobs, such as wheelchair ramps, and roof repairs will be assigned to campers and leaders with more skills and experience. The jobs need to be ones that can feasibly be completed by a crew of six during the camp week.
What is needed?
Time . . .
- To pickup and deliver materials to sites
- To volunteer on various committees
- To do office help
- To do kitchen help
- To act as guides
Talent . . .
- Nursing skills; first aide; CPR
- Provide afternoon snacks when crews return from worksites
- Draw maps to sites
- Carpentry skills to oversee crews
- Write work orders; write materials lists
- For troubleshooting
Treasure. . .
- To assist fundraising efforts
- To donate cash*
- To donate materials (paint, nails, lumber, scaffolding, tools, etc.)*
- To donate tools*
Tools . . .
- Loan ladders, hammers, saws, levels, paintbrushes, paint scrapers, etc. to supplement those provided by the Workcamp
- All loaned tools should be clearly marked with owner’s name and telephone number
*All donations are tax deductible.
How Can I Get an Application?
Applications for those individuals and families seeking assistance with home repairs can be obtained at the following locations:
Applications will be available at:
- Wheaton and Browns Valley Banks
- Traverse County Social Services Offices
- Traverse County Public Health Offices
- Browns Valley Head Start Center
- Traverse County HR (Housing and Redevelopment Authority)
- West Central MN Communities Action, Inc. Offices
Group_Workcamp_Application 
Call 1-800-492-4805 ext 116 or 122 for more information. Send donations to WCMCA Workcamp, 411 Industrial Pk Blvd., Elbow Lake, MN 56531.
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