Early in October, Hurricane Matthew hit the First Coast with a vengeance and St. Augustine was on the receiving end.
Homes, businesses, bridges, roads were targets for the high winds and buffeting rains.
St. Johns Builders Council Chair Dennis Ginder received a telephone call about the St. Francis House, which serves St. Augustine’s homeless population. Damage to the house would require gutting and rebuilding the interior.
The council contacted one of our board members, Bill Lazar at the St. Johns Housing Partnership. Lazar asked how the council could help. It was a perfect project for Make a Difference Day.
Council Director Leona Brown called John Howard of ServPro, a company that specializes in cleaning up damage caused by disasters. Howard responded immediately.
ServPro began work after the interior was gutted with the help of some of the council’s present and former members.
Then ServPro came in and finished drying and dehumidifying the structure, cleaning and sanitizing and making repairs to restore the building to a safe, healthy use.
It is estimated the work would have cost approximately $17,000. ServPro generously donated trained technicians and specialized equipment for this worthy cause. Others also came forward to help:
• Linda and Vernon Keith of Construction Debris Removal donated the dumpster.
• Tom Coates and a crew from the Rotary Club helped both days of the project.
• Jamie Warrington of 84 Lumber was there working with ServPro on Make a Difference Day, as was Commissioner Jimmy Johns.
Many thanks to members, the community, volunteers and everyone who took part in helping victims of Hurricane Matthew return safely to the St. Francis House.
Our Make a Difference Day made a difference for them.