Pointer helps revitalize Detroit,
one neighborhood at a time

Grosse Pointe native Timothy Addy had a simple goal: to repair homes of those who could not afford to do it themselves. Moved by witnessing Detroit’s declining neighborhoods, Addy envisioned creating a Christian-based, home-repair organization that would meet the needs of those in need.

A contractor with a pastiche of construction skills under his tool belt, Addy explains, “I knew I was gifted with the ability to help alleviate some of the hardship. I just want to do my part in making this world better.”

With few material resources but plenty of knowledge and even more faith, Addy began to gather tools, donations and a small army of volunteers. He received support that vastly exceeded his expectations, and Handyman Ministries was born. Just over a year ago, the organization was granted non-profit status, aiding in its efforts to raise funds and recruit volunteers to make homes safe, energy efficient and accessible for those with physical limitations.

But fruits of the organization’s labor go beyond the work it does on individual homes. The hope is that the group's efforts will help neighborhoods become safer and more habitable, ultimately promoting stability and economic growth for Detroit and its surrounding suburbs.

Handyman Ministries, which is staffed entirely by volunteers, also creates opportunities for suburbanites to give their time and talents to other neighborhoods, building community along the way. In this sense, the organization emphasizes strengthening faith—both spiritually and by fostering faith in humankind and people’s capacity to meet the needs of those around them.

Last spring, Handyman Ministries called on volunteers to help undertake a 40 Homes in 40 Days initiative, during which the organization pledged to assist 40 low-income homeowners with repairs over a span of 40 days. The fruits of the campaign were impressive—more than 40 families received home repairs including: plumbing, carpentry, structural repairs and even new roofs. During the campaign, volunteers hosted several neighborhood barbecues after the day’s work. A number of those volunteers, Addy says, still maintain relationships with the families whose homes they helped transform.

Those efforts were so successful that, this spring, Handyman Ministries will do it again with a similar 40-day project.

Grosse Pointer John Dougherty worked with Addy on the project. “Tim is an amazing man, and full of energy,” he says. “He would work until nine or 10 at night.” Dougherty roofed, poured cement, tore out and replaced porches—all after finishing an eight-hour workday at his own job. “I’m glad I was able to serve Jesus in that way,” he says, “It made me feel great, and I was able to help those in need.”

 “We have a city full of vacant homes, occupied homes in substandard conditions, homelessness and unemployment,” Addy explains. To counteract that urban decay, he envisions training a new generation of skilled tradesmen with the capacity to repair and rebuild Detroit. He also hopes to create a live-in training center and apprenticeship program to equip young men with a working knowledge of residential construction.

Addy’s story evokes the thought: Teach a person to build a home, and that person will build faith and community, empowering individuals one neighborhood at a time.

Handyman Ministries’ 40 Homes in 40 Days initiative was launched through a campaign led by EACH, a network of 400 churches and Christian-based organizations in metro Detroit. This spring, immediately following Easter, Handyman Ministries will launch its next 40-day project. To volunteer with Handyman Ministries or make a donation, please visit www.handymanministries.com.

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