Spencer, IA (SYP) – July 5-11, 2026

This week, 22 volunteers from South Dakota, Nebraska, and Minnesota brought their skills, energy, and servant hearts to Spencer. Together, they made significant progress in 10 homes as families continue their journey toward recovery.

Work this week included hanging drywall on the new build (#10), painting (#3 and #16), installing doors, trim, and paint (#5), completing drywall, insulation, and furring strips (#7), and tackling painting, sanding, cleanup, railing installation, and electrical finish work (#9). Volunteers also completed drywall, prepared floors for carpet tile, primed and painted (#11), and finished an entire mudroom—including the floor, walls, door, quarter round, and paint (#12).

The greatest highlight of the week wasn’t just the work accomplished—it was the people. With a complete transition in MDS leadership and fewer crew leaders than expected, the week could have been challenging. Instead, God provided exactly what was needed. The youth group sponsors stepped into leadership roles with confidence and skill, becoming an invaluable part of the team. Their willingness to serve, combined with the incredible attitudes and enthusiasm of the youth volunteers, transformed what could have been a difficult week into one filled with teamwork, laughter, and success.
Volunteer evaluations also celebrated the delicious meals shared together and the evening volleyball games in the park, reminding us that community is built both on and off the job site.

Looking ahead, we anticipate closing several homes next week while opening new projects, bringing even more Spencer families one step closer to recovery.