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116 N. Front Ave. Ste 102, Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 886-0152 Fax:
(606) 886-0154 TTY
1-800-648-6056 TDD 1-800-648-6057 Email: linkshousing@yahoo.com |
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Low Income Housing
Coalition of East Kentucky |
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BE A
LINKS VOLUNTEER |
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LINKS VOLUNTEER
CAMPS LINKS volunteer camps provide opportunities for
individuals, churches, college or university groups and others to live out
their faith or convictions in service to those less fortunate. In our five county area, the unemployment
rate is one of the highest in the state and each of the counties is
considered a distressed county by the Appalachian Regional Commission, so the
need for the efficient affordable housing is an ever increasing struggle. Hearts and minds of participants
are strengthened as they find that they actually receive much more than they
give. The people of Appalachia
themselves and their way of life will inspire you. The gifts they offer are sometimes hard to
see. Some re quite tangible like the
best green beans you’ve ever eaten– grown, cooked, and served by the woman
whose home you are constructing.
Others can only be felt, like the value she places on the time spent
talking with friends and family, her warm hospitality and the quiet pleasure
she takes in improvements in her home. As you consider working in
Appalachia, you will certainly have personal reasons. Perhaps you enjoy the idea of going to the
mountains, or helping someone else, or
being with a group of friends, or just getting away from home. You need to spend some time thinking about
what these reasons might be so that you know your own motivation, commitments
and expectations. The Appalachia
culture and its many values will enrich those who bring with them a respect
for diversity and willingness to learn. LOCATION Appalachia can be the most
beautiful place on earth. In Spring,
the mountains are dressed in varying shades of green, ranging from the palest
to the deepest. Redbuds, dogwoods,
tulip, service, cherry, apples and pear trees add their glorious blooms to
dress the hills in their spring finery.
Birds such as the Blue Jay, Cardinal, Mountain blue bird, Goldfinch,
Red-tailed Hawk, Hummingbird and Crow can be seen in the trees and sky. Summer brings deeper shades of green to the
hillsides while most of the trees blooms have been replaced by the various
berries or nuts they produce. Both
Summer and Fall mornings bring out the jewels of dew caught on spider
webs. Fall is again a glorious time. The hills look like a quilt with colors
ranging from bright yellow to rust interspersed with the green of the pine,
rhododendron and cedar. Then, as
temperatures drop at night, frost covers the trees on the mountain tops. Winter brings ice and snow which is
wonderful to see, but causes treacherous travel. These mountains are the greatest testimony
to the existence of GOD! Additionally,
Floyd County is home to Jenny Wiley State Park, which offers a variety of
activities, including nature walks, swimming, and an open air theatre. The Mountain Art Center in Prestonsburg
offers concerts and other entertainment opportunities. Of course, there are local movie theatres
and restaurants for anyone interested. AMENITIES Norma’s Nest is close to many businesses and areas
of interest including Jenny Wiley State Park, Loretta Lynn and Crystal
Gayle’s Home place, East KY Science Center, Mountain Arts Center, Archer
Park, The Strand Theatre, Jenny Wiley Theatre, Mountain Home place, Paintsville Lake, Dewy
Lake, and Stone Crest Golf Course.
There are also many restaurants in the area such as in Prestonsburg, located 6 miles from Norma’s
Nest, Reno’s Roadhouse, Billy Ray’s
Restaurant, El Azul Grande, Charlie’s
Grilled Subs, McDonald’s, Pig In A Poke BBQ,
Hardee’s, Peking Buffet, Taco Bell, Jerry’s, Dairy Cheer, Talquepaque, and in Paintsville, located 12
miles from Norma’s Nest, Bob
Evan’s, Shoney’s, Ponderosa,
Burger King, Dairy Queen, Subway, and many other dining facilities. HOUSING
QUARTERS We have three sites: The first is called Norma’s
Nest. LINKS has recently renovated an
old house with the help of volunteers approximately 7 miles outside
Prestonsburg. It has both heat and air
conditioning for year long volunteer groups.
It has shower stalls and toilets for both men and women with an
additional handicap accessible bathroom.
This site can hold approximately 32 people. Campers will be sleeping on bunk beds, but
will still need to bring sleeping bags and pillows. A kitchen and eating room is also
available. It has plenty of room to
play volleyball, soccer, etc. outside.
Norma’s Nest is located on LINKS North Way next to four new homes, all
built by LINKS’ volunteers. The second one is called Safe
Harbor and is located in Wheelwright, KY, in an old school building. This shelter is approximately 35 miles
outside of Prestonsburg. Part of Safe
Harbor has been remodeled for a local Health Department. The other part is available to LINKS to
house volunteers throughout the year.
The shelter can hold 35 people (20 cots) and is air-conditioned. It’s facilities include two showers for men
and two for women. There is one
bathroom downstairs in the sleeping quarters.
A gymnasium is located upstairs, which can be opened for activities
upon request, as well as an additional bathroom. A kitchen is available for meal
preparation. A church is next door and
groups may have access to their picnic shelter. The community park and pool (no charge for
volunteers) are within walking distance. The third housing quarter,
Opportunities Unlimited, is located in Martin and is approximately 6 miles
from Prestonsburg. This particular
site, also an old school, is still being used today for special classes. A gym (not air-conditioned, large fans are available) is open to volunteers and
can sleep 60 people. Campers will need
to bring sleeping bags and pillows. A
cafeteria is available for meal preparation.
There are two shower rooms (men and women) located in the gym area. The showers are open and, if shy, a bathing
suit might be needed. A small park is
located across the road and is available to all groups. Allen Park is located three miles away and
has many more attractions, which include tennis courts, basketball courts,
and baseball fields. GROUP
COMPOSITION LINKS volunteers can be age 14 or
above (unless the parent or legal guardian is present or special permission
is given by LINKS) , of any denomination or creed, and of any skill level, so
long as they have a desire to serve, learn, and work hard. Most volunteer groups stay with us for one
week (required in the summer months unless special permission is given by
LINKS) , arriving Sunday and departing Saturday morning. We also welcome those who wish to come for
two, three or four days (during the rest of the year). With particular work assignments
prearranged, we can accommodate up to 180– volunteers weekly. During the Spring, Fall and Winter months,
group sizes may vary and dates would be available in advance on a first come,
first served basis. Adults, as well as youth groups
are encouraged to participate in LINKS’ program. Safety is very important to us, therefore,
a minimum of one adult for every five to seven youth is required. Please contact our office at
linkshousing@yahoo.com, or phone us at (606)
886-0152 to
make reservations or if there are anymore questions. Are you a returning volunteer group? If so, your group deposit you paid in 2007 will
remain the same for 2008– call today to schedule your volunteer dates! |
