Mountain T.O.P. (MTOP), based in Grundy County, has been awarded a grant of $46,304 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program.
The funds will be used in Grundy County to do minor and major home repairs using volunteer labor. MTOP and USDA Rural Development have an established relationship and have worked with many families in Grundy County to make home improvements. Because of MTOPs use of volunteer labor, all grant funds are used for materials, allowing them to help more families.
Since 2007 MTOP has been awarded a total of $266,304 in HPG grants. During these same years, MTOP leveraged HPG funds with volunteer labor and additional donations at an estimated value of $701,333. At the end of this grant cycle, MTOP will have assisted approximately 42 families with necessary repairs to their homes.
“While these numbers are impressive, the really impressive marker is the value of the volunteer,” said Julie Willems Keel, MTOP’s program manager of the HPG. “These numbers show that over 70 percent of the value that is put into homes in this area comes from the volunteers. Through purchasing materials, the dollars that come from the HPG unlock the ability for us to use the skills of willing individuals. Without the HPG, we wouldn’t be able to utilize volunteers.”
The HPG allows MTOP to work with families who otherwise would not qualify for assistance. Because MTOP is a partnership ministry and not a charity, each family gives something toward the completion of their project.
“This news gives us hope that we can continue helping our neighbors in real, life-altering ways,” said the Rev. Ed Simmons, MTOP executive director. “We are grateful to all who are involved in the selection process.”
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