Weekend of work will help provide affordable, safe housing in the Low Country
Safe, secure and affordable housing is foundational to meeting our human need for shelter. Despite our differences, this need for shelter is one that every human being shares. Meeting this need effectively and equitably is both the cornerstone and the hallmark of thriving, stable, and resilient communities. During the Building Hope Weekend, participants will work on housing projects identified by local housing partners, to provide a safe and healthy home environment for rural residents.
Who is organizing this event?
Building Hope Weekend is a Together For Hope and Lowcountry Rural Housing Task Force partnership project, hosted locally by CBF South Carolina and CBF Florida/Caribbean Islands. The dates are February 16-18, 2024, and the projects will take place in Allendale, Bamberg, and Barnwell counties.
The housing organizations that make up the task force—including CBF’s Together for Hope initiative— will determine our weekend projects. Project sites will be in Bamberg, Barnwell and Allendale counties.
What will we be doing?
Worksites will be finalized in January 2024. Projects will vary, and there will be projects for all skill levels, ranging from building wheelchair ramps to painting and blight alleviation.
What tools/supplies are needed?
When projects are finalized in January, teams will be advised of tools/supplies required for work sites. Local housing organizations will assist with provision of tools.
Who can attend?
This is an intergenerational mission engagement opportunity. Church teams (both youth and adults), families, and individuals are welcome. Children ages 10-13 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children ages 14-17 can be accompanied by adult (over 21) church leaders. Church teams will be kept together at work sites. A valid background check completed prior to 2/19/2024 is required for all adults (18 and older) who are participating in this event.
What if I can only come for part of the weekend?
That’s ok. Simply indicate on your registration form which days you will be working, but please note the $100 registration fee cannot be pro-rated.
Where will we be staying?
You have three options:
- Camp Jackson Christian Camp
Male and female dorms each sleep 57 people. Camp Jackson is located at 748 Camp Jackson Road, Allendale, SC 29810. Bunk style lodging for Friday and Saturday nights are included in your registration fee. If you would like to also stay at Camp Jackson on Sunday night, there is an additional $10 fee. - Bring your RV or Camper
If you would like to bring your camper or RV for the weekend, there are several campgrounds in the area (King Creek, Barnwell State Park, Douglas RV Park). Your project site may or may not be close, however, as projects will not be confirmed and assigned until January of 2024. - A hotel
If you prefer to stay in a hotel, a small block of rooms has been reserved under CBF South Carolina at the **Winton Inn & Suites in Barnwell, 8273 Marlboro Ave., Barnwell, SC, 29812. **Lodging at the Winton Inn & Suites is at your own expense, not covered in the event registration, and there is no pro-rated registration fee. Please make your own reservations before February 2, 2024, by contacting The Winton Inn & Suites directly at (803) 621-2017.**
What will we be eating?
- Continental breakfasts will be served Saturday and Sunday mornings at Camp Jackson.
- Lunches on Saturday and Sunday will be served at the work sites, and will consist of sandwiches, chips, and bottled water.
- Dinner on Saturday night will be served at Camp Jackson at 6 pm.
- Dinner on Sunday night will be served at FBC Allendale at 4:30 pm.
**Dietary restrictions need to be indicated on the registration form for proper planning.**
Registration deadline is Friday, February 2, 2024.
Note that no refunds can be given after Friday, January 5, 2024. That is because our commitment to this project requires us to pay for building materials and lodging in advance. We will gladly convert your registration fee to a donation after January 5, 2024. Thank you for your support and understanding!
How much does it cost and what does that cover?
$100 per person covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and cabin lodging for Saturday and Sunday. T-shirt included. It also includes short term mission medical coverage.
Other expenses (transportation, hotel, meals on the road, etc.) are the responsibility of the group or individual.
The fee does not include project expenses. CBF Florida/Caribbean Islands and CBF South Carolina are contributing $1,000 each towards this project. Churches and individuals are encouraged to contribute to the project budget for the weekend, and sponsorships are a great way to make this happen. Any gift is helpful!
What should I bring?
Pillow, sleeping bag and bed linens (if you are staying at Camp Jackson)
Towel and washcloth
Toiletries and personal care items
Sleepwear
Work clothes (layers are recommended)
Jacket, cap (check the weather before packing)
Work gloves
Close-toed work shoes with socks (sneakers ok, may be messy work)
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Flashlight
Shower shoes
Cooler (church teams will need a cooler to transport lunch/drinks to/from worksite. Please label your cooler!)
Weekend Agenda
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16:
Travel and arrival at Camp Jackson
Team leader check-in
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17:
7-7:30 Continental Breakfast at Camp Jackson
7:30-8:30 Devotion, worksite orientation, loading up at Camp Jackson
8:30 Depart for work sites
9-5 Work at project sites with lunch break on site
6:30 Dinner and debrief
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18:
7-7:30 Continental Breakfast at Camp Jackson
7:30-8:30 Devotion, worksite orientation, loading up at Camp Jackson
8:30 Depart for work sites
9-4 Work at project sites with lunch break on site
4:30 Dinner and depart
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19:
Optional work day for additional projects
For more information, contact Lane Riley or Elizabeth Nance-Coker.