Spencer, IA (SYP) – July 12-17, 2026

This week, 18 volunteers served with Mennonite Disaster Service, including three friends from Canada, one volunteer from Colorado, one from Iowa, and 13 volunteers from Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Together, they brought plenty of energy, skill, and teamwork to the job sites—and closed six job cards in just one week!

The team worked at seven homes, tackling a wide variety of projects, including drywall, mudding, sanding, painting, flooring, trim, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical, insulation, and HVAC preparation. At the new build, volunteers poured a concrete pad, hung insulation beneath the house, and continued work on the walls and ceilings as HVAC installation began. Other homes saw major progress toward completion, with several projects reaching the point where homeowners could finally see the finish line.

The week’s highlights included great food, the MDS experience, and the many happy moments shared with homeowners. Evaluations also showed how much volunteers appreciated the opportunity to work hard, serve together, and make a visible difference.

Several new homeowners were enrolled this week, and hearing their stories of the past two years was deeply moving. One of those homeowners is Jolene, who has lived in her home for 47 years. FEMA rated her house a 5—the most severe rating on a scale of 1 to 5. Many of her neighbors have left, but Jolene is determined to stay. After a long series of contractors and unfinished projects, MDS will help her complete the work needed to make her home whole again.

Jolene also shared the story of her rescue during the flood. She had stayed behind because of her older dog, and by 2:30 p.m. the water was dangerously high. Finally, a man and his wife came through in a small fishing boat, making one more pass even after being told no one remained to rescue. Jolene climbed onto the arms of a lawn chair, and they were able to reach out and pull her into the boat. Now, two years later, she is still standing strong—and MDS volunteers are grateful to stand alongside her.

Next week, volunteers will continue working in several basements and make more progress on the walls and HVAC system in the new build. There is plenty to do, and this team is ready to keep building!