Volunteers are laboring to make sure the ‘For the Children’ homeless sanctuary in Milton becomes a reality. The work began in January of 2014 and the work continues; residents from local organizations, schools and businesses are still renovating the building both inside and outside.
“This shows that there are still good people in this community,” said Liz Gibson, the founder and director of the organization. On Saturday, a volunteer work day took place at the children’s home. Whether it was removing old carpet, replacing smoke detectors or repainting one of the 14 rooms, volunteers took the time to help for a worthy cause.
Click here for photos from the volunteer work day
Edward Diagle of Pensacola spent time painting rooms with his teenage daughter, Brittany. With a humorous smile, Diagle said he was told to volunteer at the event by his wife, Diane, a supporter of the organization.
“If it helps somebody’s life out, then this is worth it,” Diagle said. “I think this building has great potential.”
Once the home is complete it will serve as a refuge for area youth in need. In addition, ‘For the Children’ home will provide clothing, food and care.
The front of the Milton house was originally built in 1905. Since then the home has served several uses including as a children’s home, a rehab facility, a senior assisted living and a mental health center for area women.
“This place, when it was purchased, was originally dedicated for children and it then got away from that,” Gibson said.
After hearing about the number of homeless youth in the county, Gibson became inspired to find a suitable shelter for children in need. Since having the location purchased and donated to the cause, several businesses, non-profits and local high school organizations have shown their support.
Joshua Hunt, who plans to be regular volunteer by living at the facility also plans to donate future income to the cause.
“Eventually when I am a well established physician’s assistant, I would like to donate a portion of my salary to this… to make this function and work,” he said.
Joshua is the son of Marcie Hunt, who serves as the organization’s secretary. Like his mother, Joshua is appreciative of the community’s involvement.
“It’s by the grace of God that we got this many people out here,” he said. “We appreciate it, we really do.”
Tillman Slack of AAA Best Tree Service in Milton brought his business equipment to work with some his friends to remove trees and protruding tree limbs which are too close to the house. Slack became involved with volunteering at the house through his friendship with the women who are going to operate the facility.
Volunteerism is nothing new to Slack.
“I try to do it every year for different organizations, different churches and sometimes for people in need,” Slack said. ‘If God lays it on my heart, I just do it.”
This Saturday, the organization will have a community yard sale at the home from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. All of the proceeds from the yard sale will benefit the home, Gibson said. Donations are also appreciated.
Currently there is no finalized date for the opening of the house, Gibson said the home is in need of dry wall work.
“If we can get a couple of contractors on board, we can hopefully open by Christmas,” Gibson said.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: ‘For the Children’ Community Yard Sale
WHEN: From 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 2.
WHERE: 5020 Whitmire Dr. in Milton
INFO: For more information on the ‘For the Children’ organization, visit their website at forthechildrenofmilton.org or their account on Facebook.com at http://on.fb.me/1EJLbsC. For more information, contact Liz Gibson at ahomeforthechildren@live.com.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Volunteers labor to make shelter a reality for children (PHOTOS)