Work Continues in Alaska

As the first group of MDS volunteers return from their service term in Eagle, Alaska the next group arrives to continue the work. Fifteen volunteers arrived in Eagle on July 13 and 14 and began the work of building ten log homes in Eagle and Eagle Village, Alaska. The group replacing them this week will continue their work and also start work at a new project.

Construction has begun on six of the houses in Eagle and Eagle Village. The houses are in various stages of completion, and the work is progressing rapidly. Project Director Bill McCoy reported that “The local community and FEMA folks here in Eagle are amazed at the skills and work ethic of our volunteers.” Bill adds that the group has excellent construction skills and was especially happy for the skills of one volunteer. “We continue to be amazed at the skills of David Reynolds in cutting the dovetails into the logs and setting them into place. David is a 20-year-old young man and has great skills and is very particular about his work” The volunteers are working hard, but also finding time to connect with the community and enjoy the area.

Returning volunteer, Brian Weaver, from Akron, PA describes the evenings, “We worked after supper, only once or twice, usually play volleyball with the locals until very late. Some of the younger guys played till 1 a.m. the other night. You lose track of time, it never gets completely dark. Sunset is at midnight, sunrise at three, but even at the darkest, you could still read a newspaper outside.”

The MDS volunteers also helped repair a fish wheel for a resident and were treated to a fresh salmon dinner as a thank you.

The second project site begins in Stevens Village, Alaska this week. The work in Stevens will be mostly repair while the work in Eagle and Eagle Village is new construction. Stevens Village experienced flooding but not the devastating ice jams that hit Eagle. The homes slated for work in Stevens will require new drywall, insulation and siding among other repairs.

The remote location of the villages presents challenges for coordinating volunteers, travel and supplies. MDS is working with FEMA, Samaritans Purse and other agencies to make the project possible. Paul Unruh, Board Member and long-time MDS volunteer working at the project in Stevens Village, expressed gratitude for the spirit of cooperation from all the agencies that are making this project possible.