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11th Street Project
Beginning in 2005, PVAG investigated the possibility of acquiring an abandoned
and condemned church on the corner of 11th street and 16th avenue. Formerly
a house of worship, this former center for the glory of God had become a place
for homeless people, drug use, and overall blight.
Fall 2006 - The Call to Clean It Out
In the fall of 2006, PVAG acquired possession of the building. Work crews
consisting of teenagers, adults, and senior citizens then set out to rid the
building of the trash accumulation. the remnants of drug paraphernalia were
removed fro classrooms that were once used for teaching the Word of God.
Mattresses were dragged out from the makeshift bedrooms used by homeless
people. Debris was gathered up from the scavenging efforts of those who had
once torn down wiring and copper tubing to then sell it likely to help appease
addictions. Truck load after truck load of garbage was removed from the
building.
Spring 2007 - The Call to Tear Down
Spring always brings a sense of excitement as the winter snows are gone and
the days begin to get warmer. Well, Spring was an exciting time as work crews
once again set out to work on the building after a winter of inactivity. Now that
the garbage was removed from the building, the work of demolition had to
begin. Water damaged walls, flooring, and ceilings were removed to get ready
for new construction.
Summer 2007 - The Call to Build
July 26-28 was reserved on the PVAG calendar. The new standing seam metal
roof was going to be constructed on those dates. Before that, there was much
that needed to be accomplished. As before, the PVAG work crews launched
into the effort with zeal and excitement. Additional walls were built to provide
necessary support for the new roof. The new walls provided an additional
classroom plus enabled the flat roof system to be replaced with a gable roof
structure. Once the new trusses were in place and purlins were mounted on
the existing roof, it was ready for the metal.
The roof had an estimated retail value of $75,000. PVAG didn’t have the money
to pay for the roof so a special offering was scheduled for June 10, 2007. The
goal for the offering was $30,000 with the remainder of the cost coming from
unknown sources. It was an incredible step of faith. The day the offering was
given revealed the hearts of the people and the faithfulness of God. $76,000
was given through the attendees of PVAG. Not only was it $1,000 more than
was needed, but more than doubled the $30,000 goal.
The roof was done at approximately one-half the estimated retail cost due to
the hard working volunteers that made up the PVAG work crews. Through their
sacrifice of time, we were able to maximize and leverage the offering.
Spring 2008 -- The Call to Occupy
The Spring of 2008 will prove to be one of excitement and newness. The goal
for the Spring is to have the former parsonage section of the facility remodeled
to house ministry offices. These offices will provide a ministry presence in the
neighborhood that will allow residents to begin utilizing the resources of the
center. The project will progress from there in phases.
For more information on 11th Street see our 11th Street Q & A page here
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