A Little Hope Force (Appalachia) History... and an Exciting Announcement
September 3, 2014
From the very inception of Hope Force International, our mission has been ?To alleviate suffering caused by disasters and chronic human need through mobilizing the global Christian community into compassionate action.? And?from the earliest days of the organization, the desire to include America?s Appalachian region as a targeted area for chronic need outreach resided in the hearts of HFI?s founders, Jack and Cherie Minton. This later was brought to the forefront when HFI staffer Craig Snow shared his heart for this needy region.
Since 2009 ? under Craig?s leadership -- Hope Force International teams have invested countless hours, reaching out to the most vulnerable of this area?especially the elderly. Most of the efforts have centered around creating ?safe and dry? living environments; homes that almost seemed to have no redeeming value are now restored for many grateful residents.
We have long desired to see a more permanent presence established in the town of War, West Virginia -- HFI?s base of operations in Appalachia. While much was accomplished from Spring through Autumn, there was a great need to ?move into the neighborhood? year-round. We are grateful to announce that Hope Force has taken up year-round residence!
A New Era for Hope Force in Appalachia: HFI welcomes Jack and Svea Schreiner! Jack and Svea hail from New Hampshire; Jack is a general contractor and Svea is a school teacher. Over the years, Jack has served alongside Craig in HFI outreaches in Biloxi, Mississippi (post-Katrina) and in War, WV. But in the end?it was the people of West Virginia that stole Jack?s heart?and soon, Svea lost her heart, too!
Jack?s skills as a contractor enable him to continue to work alongside the needy residents, continuing the efforts to bring safe and dry housing to the most vulnerable. All the while, he is gaining insight into how Hope Force can serve the citizens of this area with greater impact. Svea is serving in the local school system ? giving her a platform to learn more about the local families and influence the community through her passion for teaching.
With Jack and Svea?s arrival, our ability to host teams throughout the year has greatly increased. Please consider joining us and bringing the ?force of hope? to a place that desperately needs hope ? right here in America?s Appalachian region.
We promise that you will not only lose your heart to the wonderful people of this area?but you will want to return and bring more with you! (Photo: HFI?s team house. Jack and Svea?s home is two doors down.)
