An organization intended to curb sub-standard housing is turnings its focus to Chilton County.

Representatives of Mission Serve, a non-profit and faith-based corporation that addresses sub-standard housing through volunteerism and community involvement, spoke at the Chilton County Chamber of Commerce luncheon Tuesday at Clanton First United Methodist Church.

“This is the beginning stage for us,” said Jeremy Jones, who will be the coordinator of the local project. “We’re building relationships.”

The project is scheduled for July 17-23.

About 150 participants (including students and adults) will stay at Clanton First Baptist Church during the project. Beginning at 8 a.m., the volunteers will work on projects in the community including renovations to the exterior of homes—anything from building wheelchair ramps to replacing roofs.

A worship service will be held each night.

“We come into a community, partner with a church, partner with businesses, partner with the community to provide for those who may have sub-standard housing,” Jones said.

Jones said the group is seeking 12 work sites.

About $5,000 has been raised already, Jones said, but between $20,000 and $25,000 will be needed to cover the cost of building supplies.

“We want to make a difference for somebody in the community,” he said.

Truitt, the construction coordinator, said it will be important for community members to let the group know about potential beneficiaries.

“You all know who needs help,” Truitt said. “We want to help people who need help.”

Mission Serve was created in 2003 and in the years since has facilitated about 43,000 volunteers working on about 3,000 homes.

The next Chamber luncheon will be May 3 and feature a tour of St. Vincent’s Chilton, weather permitting.