Helping hands needed

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A hotline – 745-NRCA – has been set up to take calls from those interested in volunteering. Individuals, groups and professionals may call that number. The callers will hear the story about the need and be able to leave their name and phone number. Within 24-48 hours someone will get in touch.

The New River Community Action (NRCA) Board of Directors voted last summer to move forward with repair of the damaged NRCA Floyd Building located at 323 Floyd Highway South. 

Serious roof leaking developed in winter 2010, likely the result of a spring 2009 hail storm.  The leaking led to the temporary relocation of NRCA offices and the Emergency Food Pantry to the Jacksonville Center Campus and Head Start classroom to Floyd Elementary School.  The NRCA Board delayed decision on the repairs pending evaluation of the building and exploration of alternative space. 

The building roof repair is now complete.  HDH Architecture, Engineering and Environmental of Christiansburg developed the roof design and provided oversight to the project; Mountain Roofing of Roanoke completed the repair.  Funding was provided by the insurance settlement, a grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services and NRCA General Funds. 
Assistance is now needed from the Floyd community to complete the renovation. NRCA has already received numerous offers for professional volunteer support – architecture, landscaping, electrical, carpentry – as well offers from community groups to help with general cleaning, grounds and painting.  More volunteer help will be needed along with donations to buy materials.  Initial repair estimates totaled $80,000 - $100,000 for labor and materials. 

The Floyd Community Action building was constructed in the 1950s by the citizens of Floyd County and served as the community’s clinic for many years.  It has since been home to Floyd Community Action for more than 30 years and a valuable resource to Floyd County. 

New River Community Action’s mission is to promote and support the well-being and self-reliance of individuals, families and communities.  NRCA is one of over 1,000 community action agencies nationwide.  The agency was incorporated as non-profit private organization in 1965 as Montgomery/Floyd Community Action, Inc.  Current NRCA programs for Floyd residents include the Children’s Health Improvement Partnership (CHIP), Head Start, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Emergency Assistance Program and Food Pantry, Homeless Intervention Program, Housing Counseling, Homebuyers and Renters Education Workshops, VA Community Action Re-entry System (VA CARES) and To Our House winter shelter. The Floyd Community Action building renovation will allow for the expansion of Head Start and office space for additional agencies including Literacy Volunteers, Workforce Development and Area Agency on Aging.

Floyd Community Action Building Renovation Committee:  William Gardner, Nolen Goad, John Getgood, Susan Icove, John McEnhill, Harrison Schroeder, Pat Shelor, and Rev. Theo Van Blerk.

For further information or to offer assistance call 745-NRCA or 633-5133 X 416.