Good Works

Good Works is a community of hope, the only homeless shelter in 9 counties in Appalachia. They provide food, shelter and training for the future to individuals and families in need. The really special thing about Good Works is that they are not merely passing out freebies; the residents work together in a give-and-take relationship that will benefit them in the future. For example, in the Transformation Station at Good Works, residents help rebuild and fix cars or other technology so it can be used to help other people, as well as training them with tools that can be used in a work field.

Good Works is a project that was started by Keith Wasserman while he was a student at Ohio University. He opened up his basement on Elliot St. to local homeless people and the whole system grew from there. Volunteers can volunteer on a quarterly basis to help prepare the meals, spend time with residents, help with work training programs (teaching word processing, etc.), organizing the food cupboard and much more. They even have programs for groups who want to spend a weekend at the house to experience the faith-based living at Good Works.

To become a volunteer, you must contact Good Works and set up a tour. After that you fill out an application and you are on your way to a fulfilling life experience. Visit their website for more details. www.good-works.net

This quarter I have been planning a 5K with Brendan Heil through Alpha Phi Omega to support Good Works. The run/walk is on February 28th at noon and is $15. We are also putting on a benefit concert on Thursday, February 26th at Buffalo Wild Wings where all the proceeds will go to Good Works. Two-thirds of the money they need to run the different houses in Athens comes from donations. They really rely on our help to keep it running, so please come if you can!