Fixing It for HIM

With a background in estimating, building and working with people, Hamilton began identifying needs among the congregation of his church, Calvary Baptist in The Dalles.

“We started by identifying people that needed help within the church itself, then expanded to projects outside the church,” Hamilton said.

As the project grew, Hamilton saw a need to formalize his work with the church, and submitted a plan to the deacons of the church. “Fix It for HIM” was born, and once it was up and running it was formally adopted as a church program.

In 2010, Hamilton and his volunteers completed 20 projects, most involving construction projects for those who couldn't otherwise do the work, either financially or because they were physically unable. In 2012 and 2013, Fix It for HIM completed 40 or 50 projects each year.

In 2014, the team completed 60 projects. “That's as much as I can do,” he said. “You start using up the volunteers. Regardless how good the project is, you won't garner help if you overwork your volunteers.”

His core group is made up of 8 or 10 volunteers who offer significant help. They can't all show up for every project, but they do for most. Although Fix It for HIM is aligned with Calvary Baptist, volunteers represent seven churches in the area.

Hamilton uses emails to connect with a host of individuals — over 100 —seeking information on those in need and asking for prayer support.

When a project is identified and accepted — not all fit the criteria — Hamilton arranges a timeline and material.

Home Depot in The Dalles frequently offers help with material, as does the Habitat for Humanity's Restore, which resells home improvement related items.

Once everything is in place, Hamilton schedules the project and sends out another email detailing the work and seeking volunteers. Most projects last a morning, but some can stretch out over several days.

Typical projects include handicap access ramps, fences and decks. “We don't do plumbing or electrical work because of the licensing requirements,” he said.

Fix It for HIM has also begun cutting and delivering firewood to those in need, working with crews out of the regional jail. “That takes a lot of labor, and most of my volunteers are 70 plus years old.”

Volunteers support the program because they recognize they are truly helping people, Hamilton said.

The group is also a vehicle for the faith, Hamilton explined.

“This is to let people know the church is not just about the church. It's about making disciples for Christ, that's the bottom line. We can be an extension of Jesus Christ to the community.”

Hamilton has learned a lot about ministry since starting the program, and is now involved in spreading the program beyond The Dalles.

“I would like to spread, not just the name but the process,” he explained. He is already scheduled to share how the program started, what worked and what didn't, to two groups this year, once at Camp Tadmor in Lebanon and again at McMinnville Baptist in McMinnville.

“There are a lot of retired people with skills, there is no sense letting those skills go to waste,” he said.