South Whidbey Hearts & Hammers (SWH&H) was forced to cancel its May 2 workday this year due to the pandemic. However, volunteers from the 26-year-old organization, which is based on neighbors helping neighbors with home repairs, have been able to keep that spirit of kindness alive and well, while still maintaining the health and safety of its volunteers and homeowners.
“We recognize this year was unique,” said SWH&H Board President Baz Stevens. “But we want to make sure our community understands what HAS been done, despite COVID-19.”
Stevens said the organization has taken on only the most critical needs of our community.
“We’ve focused on outdoor jobs only and those that are a matter of imminent safety,” Stevens said.
Volunteers managed to install a hot water system for one homeowner where there was none. They also replaced an entire septic system that was not functioning at all.
Additionally, the crew was able to upgrade a gutter system for the health and safety of one homeowner, replace a broken window and managed to safely install two new roofs, all while remaining pandemic safe.
“We are now considering how we can be more creative in our approach in light of COVID-19,” Stevens said.
“The possibility of our volunteer kick-off spaghetti dinner in February looks unlikely, but we are hoping that a May workday might still be possible. We realize that all these events may have to take a different form,” he added.
The board is batting around a few ideas that include virtual fundraisers or a fundraiser outside in a park where spatial-distancing can be easily enforced.
“We recognize that this coming year is going to be different and the ideas continue to percolate among the board members,” Stevens said.
For those homeowners who received a letter of acceptance for the 2020 workday, South Whidbey Hearts & Hammers will be re-contacting you to make sure the need is still there. Those homeowners will not have to re-apply for help with their homes. If you don’t hear from us by January, please contact South Whidbey Hearts & Hammers at (360) 221-6063 to make sure you are still on the list. For those who have not yet applied for help with repairs to their homes, the application process will begin in September via the website at www.heartsandhammers.com.
The board is also considering the option of assessment by phone for those who apply for help in 2021. “We are thinking outside the box as we all must do during these strange times,” Stevens said.
