SCHERERVILLE – While wheelchair ramp installation remains its primary mission, the Rebuilding Hope Ministry at St. Michael the Archangel has also reached out in recent weeks to help its neighbors who suffered devastating destruction from the mid-June tornado and storms.
“It’s very fulfilling,” said Rick Lisak, a member of Rebuilding Hope who also volunteers almost every Saturday with Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Indiana. “We are usually building houses, not restoring them, but there is so much to be done in Merrillville and several groups spent the day on June 26 helping out.”
Lisak said teams of volunteers from Habitat, Andrean High School, Legacy Foundation, Calumet Park Cemetery and NIPSCO, about 300 in all, worked at homes along the Cleveland Street corridor, picking up debris, clearing tree limbs and performing whatever was needed. The next day, Lisak was in Lake Station, building walls for a Habitat home.
“It is rewarding work, working alongside families who will be getting a new home. They put in at least 300 hours,” said Lisak.
Cynthia Napiwocki, another Rebuilding Hope volunteer, worked with her son and United Way volunteers on June 26 to help tornado victims. “Our group of 20 helped at four houses to clear debris,” she said.
Jim Koeling, the Rebuilding Hope Ministry founder who is training Lisak and others to take a leadership role, said the ministry and others from St. Michael the Archangel have also been assisting a fellow parishioner, Patricia Howe, who was directly affected by the tornado that passed through Merrillville.
“We have a parishioner who opened up their home so Patricia didn't have to stay in Lincoln Center in Highland, the shelter. Others have paid to have a large tree removed from the area in back of the home,” reported Koeling. “Further assistance was given to dig through the debris to locate and recover her cell phone and laptop computer, a television set and other electronics, along with all her personal papers.” At Howe’s request, parishioners also stayed with her when the insurance inspector visited.
“As you possibly are aware, insurance doesn't cover everything in a situation like this,” added Koeling. “If you can help, Catholic Charities has set up a tornado relief fund that can be reached at https://us.list-manage.com/B1HT423AEaP?e=2900bbc46e&c2id=3e34d80d3bcb79e2de6f716da0be6f4d.
Meanwhile, Rebuilding Hope volunteers Jared Carroll and Mike Macki recently spent a day at Shady Oaks in Homer Glen, Ill., building two wheelchair ramps at the summer camp for children with disabilities.
“We installed two small ramps on June 6; we have done other work this year for them, renovating a nurse’s bedroom to help improve accommodations for her and her husband,” said Carroll, a staff member at St. Mary in Crown Point.
“I was invited to join the Rebuilding Hope administration team and volunteer by Jim Koeling after I finished my conversion to the Catholic Church last September,” explained Carroll. “I did feel called to help Jim and this team since I’ve always wanted to help those in need. It also helps me stay connected with my great-grandparents, who spent their entire lives helping others whenever they could.”
Koeling admitted he is training Carroll to take over as Rebuilding Hope facilitator. “I can’t do this forever, and we always need more volunteers. Jared, Rick and Mike are all doing a great job,” Koeling said.
To participate in the St. Michel Wheelchair Ramp Ministry as a volunteer or donor, contact the St. Michael parish office at 322-4505. If you know of anyone who may benefit from the ministry’s services, contact Catholic Charities at 886-3549 or outreath@catholic-charities.org.
Caption: Homeowner Patricia Howe, a parishioner at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville, and Jim Koeling from Rebuilding Hope stand among the debris of her home, damaged by the tornado that swept through Merrillville. (Provided photo)
