Appalachia Service Project Volunteer

Each summer, I travel to rural communities in the Appalachian Mountains to serve as a youth volunteer with the Appalachia Service Project. Alongside peers and adults from across the country, I’ve worked on repairing homes, installing siding, sealing roofs, putting up gutters, repairing joists, and building porches, for families facing poverty and unsafe living conditions. This work has taught me technical skills, but more importantly, it’s given me the chance to connect with homeowners, listen to their stories, and offer companionship as well as support. The experience has been transformative, reminding me that service is not just about meeting physical needs, but also about honoring human dignity and our communities.