By Chris Muldrow / Fredericksburg Today
516 Project, a local construction ministry started by James Roberson of Roberson’s Music, just received a $5,000 grant from the Fredericksburg Realtors Foundation. The grant will go toward materials and tools to make home repairs needed by area families.
The foundation provides grants to local charitable organizations whose clients struggle with hardships that threaten their ability to secure and retain shelter. The 516 Project helps homeowners in need of home repairs who are unable to afford or have physical barriers to completing the repairs on their own. Through partnership with area churches, localities and businesses, the ministry’s volunteers fix leaky roofs, reapir damaged floors, fix plumbing, paint, build handicap ramps, and clean yards and houses.
“These projects fit within our funding guidelines and we are so excited to help,” said Mary Beth Rich, a Realtor and member of the FRF board.
“516 Project Ministry started with passion–a passion to help those in need, to put boots on the ground, skilled hands on projects in homes for families that need help but are unable to find it, and hope in the hearts of those starving for it the most,” said Roberson. “516 Project is passion evolved into action.
“We are incredibly blessed to have the support of the FRF and Fredericksburg Association of Realtors. A key to our success is the partnership with local businesses and organizations to help us provide services to those in need,” Roberson said.
On their last workday, 516 Project volunteers worked on 10 homes. Projects included a complete roof replacement, bathroom renovation, wheelchair ramp and other home repairs. Their next workday will be in partnership with LifePoint Church at the end of July building two wheelchair ramps as well as storage shelves in the warehouse for Micah Ministries.
