Wed 26 Jul 2006
Just because Paul Hackett has retired from politics doesn’t mean that he’s retired from community service. His latest effort is to organize volunteers to help a family that’s hit on some hard luck. On August 5th Paul will be working with Vic Wulsin on a house in Seaman, Ohio.
This is from the email he sent me:
They have six children, the youngest born in June. The father is working as an iron worker, making $24/hour, but has had some injuries (torn rotator cuff and two pulled tendons) that has prevented him from putting in the hours he needs, and it is unclear if he is working at all at the moment, and if so, how much.
The mission is to assist the family by putting their trailer in habitable condition. This will take the form of sweat equity in doing the actual work, along with building materials. Also included in the mission are the food needs of the family, which are not being met on a consistent basis. This perhaps can be thought of as a local version of former President Carters Habitat for Humanity,but instead of building houses the mission will be to repair existing ones, with an emphasis on filling a need that the bureaucracy refuses to recognize: how someone who makes too much to qualify for assistance can need help so badly.
Material Needs
- 5 gal. roof cement to cover the entire roof.
- Two outside doors 32″ x 75″
- One storm door 32″ x 75″
- 10 Sheets drywall
- 24 2×4′s
- Three windows 33″x 56″
- Siding replacement: 5-10 pieces 8″ wide is 14′ x 75′
- Skirting is 2′ around the parameter.
- Channel gutter at top 178′
- Three ouside lights next to doors.
- Curtains for inside windows.
- Insulated curtain for patio door, opening 70″ X 80″
- Three rooms of carpet and padding, each room 14′x 14′
These can be dropped off at 9400 Given Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45243
On August 5th everyone will be meeting @ 9:30 AM at the Sunoco, 17106 State Route 247, Seaman, OH 45679. Make sure you bring any tools you might have. I’ve been told that they still need carpet, drywall, 4×4′s, materials for decking, and lighting fixtures.
For more information email volunteer@oh02.com.
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As a note did I see Vic at the Clermont County Fair tonight?
Her website says she was there and that she bought a pig.
Sorry. She got the pig at a different fair.
THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL…Vic finished a great weekend, meeting with voters in five out of the seven counties that make up the 2nd district. On Friday, she spent all day at the Warren County Fair. Saturday, she talked with voters at the Adams County Fair (and even bought a pig!) before heading off to the Scioto County Lobsterfest. Sunday, she attended the Brown County Democratic Picnic and later the Clermont County Fair.
THIS WEEK…Vic will be meeting voters at the Clermont County Fair on Wednesday, the 26th at 1:00 p.m. (Locust St. in Owensville). The Fair will be honoring our seniors and veterans. Vic will also attend the Clermont Fair again on Friday and Saturday. Also on Saturday, the 29th, Vic will officially launch her campaign in Warren County at the Warren County Barbecue from 4-7. (at Harmon Park 315 S. East Street in Lebanon). Check out our events section for more information on upcoming events.
AUGUST 5th… is an important date coming up. A family in Adams County needs a helping hand. Mr. TJ Walters is a hard worker with 6 kids and a wonderful wife but, like many of average Ohioans, he’s going through a rough patch and needs some support. At 10:00 A.M. a group that includes Vic, Paul Hackett, and members of the Adams County Democrats will help repair his house. We will do some roofing work with tar, clean the house, and, pending the right materials, build a front-deck. Bring building materials.
I’m ready to work. I have the backdoor ready to replace on the 5th.
The Walters’ family are thankful for the help they will receive on the 5th. They had to move in early due to the sheriff’s order. We will have to move out some of their belongings before we get started. By the way who’s going to get the sandwiches?
[...] In response to the comments on one of the previous blog entries, it was at the Adams County Fair that Vic bought a pig. [...]
This man is making $24.00/hr, got hurt and couldn’t work, and was just a few paychecks away from this. There are many families like this. They never have enough money left over to save a significant amount and they certainly don’t make enough to save enough to weather a catastrophe.
This is why the credit card/bank bill and the bankruptcy bill recently passed are so deterimental to familes. I think it’s about 80% of bankruptcies are due to catostrophic loss of income, ie, the wage earner gets hurt, has overwhelming medical expenses, dies or leaves the family due to divorce. It is not because people spend over their income. They need help getting back on their feet, not crushing laws perpetually keeping them poor and in debt. This is really an unhealthy situation for our nation’s children. Family values, my foot.
People just need a hand to get over the hump. This man will be back at work when he heals. He should not get so far in debt that he’ll never get out. His kids should not have to go hungry. We need to get back to the values that made America great. We helped each other in crisis.
I talked to TJ tonight on the phone. On top of the fact his car is burning oil, the electric breakers kept going out on him this week. He had to replace it to have a refrigerator, stove and some air conditioning. When individuals and families find themselves in these situations, with no wealth to carry them over… just like domestic godess said.
There are some that say he can pull himself up by his boot straps. What happens if the boots he has on are worn out?
The Amish in Adams County help each other just like this. I’m glad we can help also.