You're never at the end of the road

This summer, I was invited to an event that turned into much more than just another speaking engagement.  The conference was hosted by ART, a trade organization whose members include interior designers, artists, manufacturers and retailers involved with the home furnishings industry.  In addition to workshops and presentations, participants—more than a hundred of us—had volunteered to work for a half-day on behalf of Jericho Road, a housing renewal effort created by the Episcopal Church.

At around noon on Friday, we boarded two charter buses for a trip to the urban neighborhood, where four houses had been built prior to our arrival.  Within four hours, the group would completely finish and furnish the interiors of all four homes, and make them ready for their new owners to arrive.  As we stepped off the bus, I noticed a man, sitting on the curb, as if he had reached the end of the road.

Manufacturers and retail sponsors had donated truck loads of furniture, sculptures, paintings and other artwork… to turn these inner-city homes into the kind of showcases that one might see in the pages of Architectural Digest.  It wasn’t just about the merchandise; it was the way 100+ volunteers—led by four expert design stars—approached the assignment with such passion and know-how.

There are many worthy non-profit organizations that help build homes for people in need.  But even seven years after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans’ need runs deep.  Pressed into the mud in front of one of the houses that was still a tattered shell, I saw a piece of cardboard that someone had fashioned into a sign of despair:  "Homeless and Hungry... God Bless." 

That note of desperation amplified the good that Jericho Road and its' volunteers are doing, rebuilding entire neighborhoods, and changing peoples’ lives for the better.  They don’t just build and finish a home; they overhaul entire city blocks, and then move beyond, re-planting trees and shrubs far into their neighboring area.  A single homeowner or family does not benefit from a Jericho Road house… the entire community becomes a better place.

A church should always serve to build their congregation’s faith in God.  But having the opportunity to work side-by-side with the people of Jericho Road and ART… I also felt a renewed faith in people. 

My primary job during the afternoon was to photograph the before-and-after success of each of the four design/finishing teams.  But I also tried to capture the essence of the day; people working together, smiling through the sweat, and proving that when people are willing to help one another... you're never at the end of the road.  

To see more photos from this amazing experience, just click here to jump to my Photobucket page. 

© 2012  Mike Anderson.  All rights reserved.

A bridge to nowhere

Even the end of the road can be an interesting place.

 © 2007-2011  Mike Anderson.  All rights reserved.