PWC employs volunteers to help thousands

For more than 30 years, one local non-profit has been working to make local homes more comfortable and livable. With a team of 120 employees, many licensed and trained, People Working Cooperatively relies on thousands of volunteers to help repair and weatherize homes of the disabled, elderly, injured or unemployed. With a coverage area of 20 counties in Greater Cincinnati, PWC serves around 15,000 people a year. Recruiting from corporations, church groups, scout groups and individuals, PWC has one of the largest volunteer corps, placing more than 5,000 volunteers per year. Since its inception in 1975, PWC has offered assistance to more than 200,000 people. Homeowners apply to receive assistance from PWC. Many are referred by social workers, or by word of mouth from others who have been helped by PWC. Most of the people who receive help make, on average, less than $13,000 a year and are in desperate need of home repairs. Repairs can include fixing water and heating systems, minor repairs, lawn work, installing wheelchair ramps and weatherizing homes. These improvements are not cosmetic repairs. PWC’s goal is to make homes safer and more livable for those they service, which sometimes includes installing wheelchair ramps, grab bars and other features to support people with disabilities. Some elderly and disabled only need help with routine housework, which is completed by volunteers One of PWC’s main renovations is to conserve energy in homes in order to reduce utility bills, or offer people a percentage of income payment program, which is an extended payment arrangement that requires regulated gas and electric companies to accept payments based on a percentage of the household income. PWC also hosts two annual events, the Prepare Affair and the Repair Affair. Their largest volunteer day consists of winterizing and raking leaves for hundreds of homes in late fall, and fixing up damages that have been sustained through the winter months once spring comes around. Do Good: Attend: the Prepare Affair and help prepare homes for winter. Volunteer: to help with home repairs or daily household tasks. Donate: to help PWC continue their needed work in Cincinnati. By Evan Wallis