Local Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers bring hope after house fire

Volunteers coordinated by the New York Unit of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) are building a new home for a family from Copenhagen, New York, who lost everything in a house fire in May.

Since the family is currently living in a mobile home with no operating furnace, volunteers have committed to finishing the three-bedroom, two-bathroom MDS house before cold weather sets in.

The family, a couple with a teenage son, has been in the area for a long time, and does not have insurance. “It is a sad situation,” said Peter Keys, MDS New York Unit chair. “They had to rescue the dad and the son from the upstairs of the house during the fire.”

Originally thinking the house was salvageable, after assessing the damage, Keys realized a new build was necessary.

“The job card has been signed, and it is becoming a community project,” said Keys. “I’m hoping to gather more churches and get more folks involved in this whole process. We are committed and we’re going to build that house.”

The United Methodist Committee on Relief has provided partial funding, and the MDS New York Unit continues to raise money to support the new build.

To donate funds or support the unit, email newyorkunit@mds.org

Checks may be mailed to:

Mennonite Disaster Service

P.O. Box 546

Lowville, NY 13367