JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — It's not often you find services that are free of charge but when you do it's hard to turn it down— especially when that help lands right on your doorstep.
"They're surprised that there's no charge, that we're all volunteers and we get donations through our churches and they don't have to pay for a lot of expensive contract or labor," said Mary Bates, Director of the North American Lutheran Church Disaster Response team.
She explained that they have been traveling from state to state to restore hope in the lives of people who have lost everything.
"There's a lot of damage, a lot of roofs are gone and there's a lot of need with the families because of not having enough insurance," Bates added.
Months later, the tornado that happened on March 31 still leaves a mark on the community of Jacksonville. By taking it one step at a time, volunteers like Sallie Vanwoert have already finished four homes and counting. So, they can all receive a brand-new makeover.
"Anybody can learn how to put a nail in, how to do some sanding and you take a little bit of extra ibuprofen because you're sore, it's okay it's a good feeling," Vanwoert said.
Whether it's help on the inside or the outside of the home, each part fixes something that was once damaged physically and internally.
"You know, tornado reconstruction doesn't occur two weeks after the storm is over, you know, it's months, maybe years for that to happen. We were just excited to be able to help this one family, you know, recover from the storm," Chris Young, owner of Mighty Dog Roofing said.
He said shelter is a basic human necessity and placing a roof over someone provides stability, support, and resilience.
Those things are the very reason to lend a hand in a time of need.
"What this does is it gives the keysters the peace of mind that they are now in the dry. You know they don't have to worry about what is coming in their home anymore," Young said. "They can focus on other things and they can know that they're getting the best products, the best craftsmanship, and the best installation in the market or on the market put on their home."
The North American Lutheran Church Disaster Response team will be in Jacksonville all week.