Home
Site Map
Contact Us
Login
Oakville
Oakville Volunteer Foundation
July 1, 2009
Ever since the first volunteers arrived on July 14, 2008 to help with Oakville flood relief we have focused on cleaning out, sanitizing, and rebuilding houses for homeowners that were planning on reoccupying their homes. We have designated the cleaning, sanitizing, and rebuilding process as ‘Phase 1’ construction which is approximately 80% complete. Work on the 77 homes identified for project support has progressed, but there is still much to be done.
Approximately 100 additional homes were completely destroyed or badly damaged by last year’s floods. Some homeowners are awaiting a buyout from the federal government. However, the conditions of the buyout require that the house be destroyed and the land not be used for future building or public use. Consequently, the buyouts would create many vacant lots throughout Oakville.
The Oakville Volunteer Foundation, a nonprofit organization, has developed an alternative plan to address the rebuilding needs and has designated this as ‘Phase 2’ construction, which would:
- rebuild the houses that are salvageable,
- construct new homes, and
- build public buildings or parks.
Phase 2 will help Oakville to further rebuild itself into a small family community, giving some of the previous residents an opportunity to find affordable housing here.
The Oakville Volunteer Foundation can only ask for enough funds to equal the federal buyout. Since these funds cannot be used for rebuilding, the foundation has to raise additional money for any reconstruction. With the help of volunteers, construction costs will be minimized, and new homes will be more affordable for Oakville residents.
The scope of Phase 2 construction is estimated to take two and a half years, rebuilding 20 homes and constructing 6 new homes. With extensive volunteer support, the project could be completed sooner.
The foundation needs your continued volunteer support. You have generously given your time and talents to Phase 1, which will be completed soon. Phase 2 volunteers will begin work at the end of the summer.
We specifically would like to know if the United Methodist Church would be willing to volunteer a week or more from September through November to help us get Phase 2 construction underway. We are trying to develop a volunteer calendar for this timeframe in order to ensure that we will have enough work for each group. Please let us know as soon as you can if your congregation will be able to help, and if so, which specific week or weeks you will come. Contact Tonya Lanz at ktlanz@iowatelecom.net or call 319-759-7685 for more details.
The Oakville Volunteer Foundation and all of the Oakville residents thank you—not only for the work you have done to rebuild our community, but for the hope you have brought us simply by caring and being here. We hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Tonya Lanz
Tonya Lanz
Oakville Volunteer Foundation Secretary