How do you change the world? A good place to start is with 300 students, representing 14 different churches from across the United States, who are volunteering to make one area of St. Tammany Parish a better place to live.

 

Student volunteers with the Lifeway World Changers program will arrive in St. Tammany Parish on July 9^th and spend the next three days repairing the exteriors of 17 homes in Covington’s West 30s’ neighborhood. All homes are within a six block radius and occupied by low-income home owners. Services may include roof repair, siding installation, exterior painting, window and door replacement, debris removal, porch improvements and the construction of handicap ramps.

 

The St. Tammany Parish Community Development Block Grant will pay for the supplies and materials for the project, budgeted to come in under $75,000. Partners in the project include the First Baptist Church of Covington and the faith-based wing of Kent Construction.

 

“I want to thank all the students who are coming to St. Tammany,” said Parish President Pat Brister. “This project will make a positive and noticeable impact on this neighborhood. These types of public-private partnerships are positive on many levels, from helping those in need to fostering a sense of community stewardship in the leaders of a new generation.”

 

“It is an honor and privilege to welcome the Lifeway World Changers to the City of Covington.  These student volunteers are to be commended for their dedication to community service.  The work accomplished by the students will complement goals outlined in our West 30’s revitalization project.  We genuinely appreciate their labors along with the support and interest of the Parish in assisting the implementation of these goals through their partnership in this endeavor,” said Mayor Mike Cooper.

The Northshore Baptist Association is planning a block party for the students at the end of the project. For more information visit www.lifeway.com/worldchangers