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PO Box 86
Waldorf, MD 20604-0086
301-392-0202
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Dedicated to keeping elderly and disabled homeowners living in
warmth, safety, independence, dignity and decency through home repair and rehabilitation
services. |
Click here to
find out how you can be a Christmas in April volunteer!
Christmas in April
 Charles County is the volunteer organization started in 1990
that, in partnership with the community, rehabilitates the houses of low-income
homeowners, elderly and disabled, so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety and
independence. After months of planning and preparation, Christmas in April
culminates in a National Rebuilding Day on the last Saturday in April. Last year
over 800 volunteers of all ages, faiths and walks of life come together to help neighbors in
the American barnraising tradition.Christmas in April
Charles County is governed by a Board of Directors comprised
of 17 unpaid volunteer members from the community of Charles County. Elections are
held annually and board meetings are held the third Tuesday of every
month. The public is invited to attend. Keith Baird is our
current President. |
What is Christmas in April? |
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Why are
Christmas in April services needed? |
Five and a half million low-income homeowners in America are
elderly, and the vast majority are women. Over one-third live alone, and 43% spend
over 40% of their income on housing expenditures. 22% of all Americans are shelter
poor - they cannot afford basic necessities after paying housing costs. Christmas in
April fills this need, rehabilitating homes and revitalizing neighborhoods. In
addition, handicapped homeowners will receive ramps, assistance handgrips, and other
equipment designed to help them in their homes. |
| Funds come from corporations, individuals, foundations, civic
organizations, churches and the UNITED WAY. Our volunteer staff has fund raising
throughout the year. |
Who sponsors us? |
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How
extensive are the repairs and how many homes are done? |
Last year 20 homes were rehabilitated by
over 800 volunteers. Most homes were repaired in a one-day blitz, while
some were done in two or more consecutive weekends. Skilled trades
people joined with other volunteers to paint, clean, weatherize,
carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. Average cost per house is
$1,163 for a total cost of $23,264. This figure represents 63% of our
annual expenses. This year our goal is to complete 25 homes. . |
| No. All repairs are free for the homeowners. Labor
and supplies are donated and/or purchased by Christmas in April. But homeowners and family
are asked to join in the spirit of neighbor-helping-neighbor. |
Do homeowners pay? |
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How much can
we do in one day? |
More than you can guess! Volunteers paint, caulk, clean
and remove trash, make repairs, do carpentry work, plumbing, electrical work and
roofing. A team of thirty to forty volunteers can transform a worn-down house into a
comfortable home that benefits our entire community |
| The Christmas in April program began in
Midland, Texas in 1973. In 1982, a national headquarters was established
in Washington, D.C. To date, over 87,450 homes have been renovated with
the help of 2.3 million volunteers, committing to 24 million hours of
volunteer time nationwide. |
Where did it start? |
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How are
homes selected? |
The house selection committee accepts applications from
homeowners with an income level of $14,000 or less, and unable to work themselves.
Referrals come from non-profit agencies, churches, and individuals. The amount of
work and the type of work and total funds needed dictate the criteria for approval.
Once reviewed, the house selection committee submits the home to the Christmas in April
board of directors for approval. A house captain is selected to supervise the work
to be done, coordinate the work project and report to the board of directors the materials
required and number of volunteers needed. |
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Before |
After |
To be a volunteer all you need is a willing heart and the desire to make
a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Skilled and unskilled volunteers
work together to help provide independence, dignity, safety and comfort to these
homeowners.
The success of this program depends solely on the contributions of money, materials,
equipment and labor by local companies, organizations, churches and individuals.
without that involvement and support there would be no Christmas in April.
Click here to find out how
you can be a Christmas in April volunteer! |
A United Way
Participating Agency