Volunteers on a mission to ‘adopt a homeowner’

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

The COVID-19 pandemic may have thrown a wrench in The Crew Missions’ volunteer season, but it won’t stop them from helping homeowners around the Mon Valley.
Founded in 2013 by Judi Robbins, the faith-based nonprofit organization helps families, senior citizens and single parents, the disabled or terminally ill and those financially struggling with the upkeep of their homes.
Volunteers help homeowners with small projects such as painting, yard clean up, landscaping, gardening or other small projects.
Maintained through donations and fundraising, the Crew was preparing for their 2020 volunteer season when the pandemic reached the United States.
“We were right in the middle of trying to plan for our new event, Holiday House, that was going to be held over Passover Sunday,” Robbins said. “We had the venue booked, caterer lined up and were beginning to take reservations for people who had nowhere to go for Easter. We were so ready to create that Hallmark moment for those who needed it, but then the pandemic hit.”
The Holiday House event was postponed to November for Thanksgiving, but with COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the event is canceled this year.
Wanting to still help families despite tough times, Robbins and the Crew team started to brainstorm ways to make their mission work.
For the past several years, volunteers rotate working with the organization on a project-by-project basis from April through October.
Groups of 10 to 25 volunteers would meet up with tools in hand to spend a day tidying up homes throughout the area.
Though such activities adhere to current restrictions in place, Robbins knew some volunteers would not be comfortable in a group setting.
But, she also knew there were still people who needed help.
“COVID-19 has made us adapt to the times, but we have figured out a way to do it and are really excited to get started,” she said. “We knew as this was happening that we didn’t want people to feel more helpless or hopeless than they already do during this tough time.”
The Adopt A Homeowner program launched this week.
Instead of large groups of volunteers embarking on day-long projects, The Crew Missions will have a “micro season.”
Individual volunteers, or family units, who decide to adopt a homeowner, will be paired with a home in their area.
After signing official adoption paperwork, the family, individual or small group will complete a single project at their adopted home.
Tasks could range from cutting grass, painting a fence, raking leaves, trimming hedges or planting flowers.
“This is downsized and more personalized,” Robbins said. “It will be a lot more one on one with the volunteers and the families we bless. My hope is doing it this way will help our volunteers feel more comfortable and safe, so they can feel confident to step up and help someone in their community.”
Once a homeowner comes forward showing interest in the program, Robbins will pair them with an individual or family and coordinate the “pay it forward” day.
If a volunteer or family chooses to do so, they can arrange to keep in touch with the homeowner to complete more projects in the future.
Volunteers will be able to pick available dates and times that work for them, as long as they homeowner also approves.
Volunteers must follow CDC guidelines and wear a mask while completing the projects.
Tools and other needed materials, along with a Crew mask and 2 oz. bottle of hand sanitizer, will be provided to those who choose to volunteer.
After tools are returned, the family, group or individual will receive a $10 gift card to Giant Eagle.
Because the Crew is getting a late start this year due to the pandemic, so far only two homeowners have expressed interest.
No volunteers have yet signed up for the program.
The group serves communities throughout the Mon Valley but is currently focusing on homes and residents in Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills, West Mifflin, Clairton, West Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Glassport, McKeesport, Port Vue, Baldwin, Homestead, Munhall, Dravosburg and Duquesne.
“This is very new, so we are hoping this is successful,” Robbins said. “If anyone knows of a homeowner in need within this service area, or would like to adopt a homeowner, please reach out to us.”
The Crew Missions is currently accepting monetary donations to purchase PPE and sanitizing equipment for volunteers.
“We started this project in 2010 and became an official non-profit in 2013,” Robbins said. “COVID-19 is certainly the biggest change we have ever had to deal with, but we are happy to still be able to bless families throughout the Mon Valley and to allow our volunteers to feel good by doing good.
“There will always be a need for what we do, but the pandemic has really put a kink in the traditional way fulfill our mission and raise our money.”
To make a monetary donation go to www.crewmissions.org.
Anyone interested in getting involved, or signing up to be “adopted” can call 412-708-7328 or email info@crewmissions.org.