2010 MLK Service Project

2010 Decatur Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Project – A Huge Success

A rainy weekend didn’t dampen the spirits of approximately 1,180 volunteers who came out to do home repairs and yard work for senior citizens during the 8th annual Decatur Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Project weekend. This project is held by the Decatur Preservation Alliance in partnership with the City of Decatur and with the assistance of numerous nonprofit organizations, businesses, skilled tradespeople, places of worship, and other organizations.

Initial plans called for repairs on 11 homes. Since the weekend was progressing so well, two more homes were added that needed more minimal repairs. So, volunteers ended up doing repairs on 13 homes. All but one of the homes (a condo) also had yard work done.

Thanks to an eager workforce, volunteers did yard work on 37 additional homes for a grand total of 50 senior citizens’ homes worked on during the weekend. In addition, volunteers did yard work for the people with disabilities who live near the Solarium in Oakhurst. There was so much yard waste that approximately 2,500 yard waste bags were used and there were numerous additional piles of brush.

These seniors can now live more safely, comfortably and affordably in their homes thanks to much needed repairs that include:

• Handicap ramp that was designed and built to allow a senior who had a stroke to get in and out of her home.
• Moisture infiltration issues were alleviated and damage repaired to prevent health issues from mold and mildew.
• Completely rebuilt steps, handrails and landings outside two homes to allow back door access.
• Installed smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Skilled tradespeople performed numerous plumbing and electrical repairs.
• Repaired and replaced caulking.
• Replaced old light bulbs with new energy efficient ones.
• Increased seniors’ safety by repairing and replacing doors and door hardware and locks, as well as repairing and replacing windows and fixing broken window locks.

Volunteers did numerous weatherization projects with assistance from volunteers with Southface, a nonprofit organization that promotes sustainable homes. These projects included:

• Air-sealed attics in preparation of R-30 cellulose insulation at 8 homes.
• Weatherstripped doors.
• Cut in gable vents for attic ventilation.
• Insulated ductwork and air handlers.
• Insulated water pipes for energy efficiency and freeze protection.

Please consider joining the 2011 Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Project planning committee. For more information, contact Susan Cobleigh, Decatur Preservation Alliance, at 404-371-4444 or susan@decaturpreservationalliance.org or Lee Ann Harvey, Volunteer! Decatur, at (678) 553-6548 or leeann.harvey@decaturga.com.