MCC Appalachia Build

MCC Appalachia Build Appalachia Build is a home repair program that uses the efforts of volunteers to address sub-standard housing. Physical Address: 3040 Elkhorn City, KY 41522

Last week, students and staff from Kingsway Christian School traveled from Orrville, Ohio to serve with Appalachia Build...
05/26/2026

Last week, students and staff from Kingsway Christian School traveled from Orrville, Ohio to serve with Appalachia Build in Kimball, WV. Throughout the week, the group partnered with Appalachia Build on several projects. One project involved serving homeowner JJ and his 7-year-old son, whose home was impacted by the February 2025 floods. Since the flooding, JJ and his son have worked tirelessly on their own to try to make their home livable again. Their story is one example of the many families across the region who are still working to recover months after disaster struck. Students assisted by removing damaged flooring, shoveling out dirt from beneath the home, insulating floors, and preparing for new concrete support pillars.

This past week marked week two of Bluffton University’s Cross Cultural experience in Appalachia — a week focused on both...
05/25/2026

This past week marked week two of Bluffton University’s Cross Cultural experience in Appalachia — a week focused on both service and learning across the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and Southwest Virginia.

Over the weekend, the group participated in an elk tour at Breaks Interstate Park where they spotted elk and black bear in the mountains. They also enjoyed time at the Apple Blossom Festival and attended worship on Sunday at Elkhorn Community Church.

On Monday, the group traveled to Whitesburg, KY for a tour of the Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation (MCHC) facility before heading to Wise, Virginia, to visit MountainRose Vineyards. These visits provided opportunities to learn more about healthcare, economic development, and life in the Appalachian region.

Tuesday marked the first workday in Pike County, KY. One group began building a bedroom addition for a 12-year-old boy who is currently sleeping on the couch in his grandparents’ trailer. By Wednesday, the team had constructed two walls and nearly half the roof rafters before covering the structure with a tarp to protect it from the weather. It was a strong start, and hopefully the next volunteer group can continue the momentum.

The second group worked at another homeowner’s house, preparing the crawlspace for new bracing and joists to address severely sagging floors, while also repairing the bottom portion of an unsafe ramp. By the end of the week, the ramp was completed, new posts were installed beneath the house, and while the floor is not fully repaired yet, it is much more secure than before.

On the final full day in Kentucky, the group traveled to Pikeville where they visited the Big Sandy Heritage Center, toured downtown, heard from Dr. Brandon Crum about the prevalence of black lung disease among coal miners, and rode horses at Bob Amos Park.

One of the most powerful moments of the week came Tuesday evening as the group listened to Maudie Justice, a survivor of the 1972 Buffalo Creek Flood in Logan County, West Virginia. The disaster claimed 125 lives, injured more than 1,000 people, and left over 4,000 homeless. Hearing her story firsthand was both heartbreaking and deeply important.

Through service projects, shared meals, conversations, worship, and storytelling, students gained not only hands-on experience, but also a deeper understanding of the people and culture of the mountains.

As we begin another home repair season with the MCC Appalachia Build program, we humbly ask for your prayers.Please pray...
05/18/2026

As we begin another home repair season with the MCC Appalachia Build program, we humbly ask for your prayers.

Please pray for safety over every volunteer, staff member, homeowner, and community partner involved in this work. Pray for protection while traveling, wisdom in every project, strength for the work ahead, and unity among the teams serving throughout the season.

We also ask for prayers for a smooth and productive season — that each home repair project would come together according to God’s timing and provision. May every nail driven, board replaced, and hand extended be a reflection of Christ’s love and compassion.

Most importantly, pray that God would bless this season abundantly, opening doors to serve families well, build meaningful relationships, and bring hope and encouragement to every home we enter.

Thank you for standing with MCC Appalachia Build in prayer as we continue this mission of service in our Appalachian communities.

Week 1 of Bluffton University’s Cross Cultural Service and Learning experience in Appalachia has been filled with meanin...
05/16/2026

Week 1 of Bluffton University’s Cross Cultural Service and Learning experience in Appalachia has been filled with meaningful learning, hands-on service, and opportunities to connect with the people and places that make this region so special.

Throughout the week, students learned more about the strengths, challenges, history, and culture of Appalachia by hearing from several community advocates, leaders, and artisans including Reverend Brad Davis, Sarah Diaz, Robert Diaz, Terry Ratliff, Markella Gianato and Holly Maben. Their stories and experiences helped students gain a deeper understanding of the region and the communities they are serving alongside.

The group also explored several important sites across southern West Virginia and Southwest Virginia, including Pinnacle Rock State Park, and the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, as well as the historic town of Bramwell, VA. These visits provided valuable insight into Appalachian history, coal mining heritage, and the beauty of the mountain communities.

Service work has been a major part of the week as students partnered with local organizations and community members. At Jason Tartt’s farm, students helped with planting, weeding, beekeeping, and caring for animals while learning more about sustainable agriculture and local food systems. The group also participated in environmental stewardship projects at Breaks Interstate Park, helping care for and preserve one of the region’s most beautiful natural areas.
Students also spent time doing rehabilitation and restoration work at the historic Dismukes Nurses Home, helping preserve an important piece of local history and investing in a project that will continue to serve the community.

In addition to their service projects, the students participated in the Apple Blossoms Parade, helping promote the Appalachia Build program and sharing the mission of service, community, and relationship-building throughout the region.

Through service, learning, and relationship-building, students are gaining a deeper appreciation for Appalachia and the importance of working alongside communities with humility, compassion, and care.

MCC Appalachia Build was honored to welcome representatives from Goshen College to learn more about the Appalachia Build...
05/16/2026

MCC Appalachia Build was honored to welcome representatives from Goshen College to learn more about the Appalachia Build program and the community we are blessed to serve.

During their visit, they spent time hearing about the mission and impact of Appalachia Build, learning about the unique challenges and strengths of our Appalachian communities, and touring the historic Dismukes Nurses Home.

What an exciting week of Summer Staff Orientation with Appalachia Build!Our team is learning, growing, and stepping into...
04/23/2026

What an exciting week of Summer Staff Orientation with Appalachia Build!

Our team is learning, growing, and stepping into their roles with purpose as we prepare to welcome work teams who will come alongside us to serve our communities. It’s inspiring to see the passion, dedication, and heart each person brings to this mission. We are grateful for the time spent building not just skills, but relationships and a shared vision for the work ahead.

This year, we wear purple in memory and honor of two very special volunteers who faithfully served in the Appalachia Build kitchen, Paula McCarty and Carol Dunn. Purple just so happened to be one of their favorite colors—a beautiful reminder of the love, service, and legacy they left behind. 💜

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” — Proverbs 16:3 🤍

Wishing a very Happy Administrative Professionals Day to our Appalachia Build Administrative Assistant, Ruby Epling!Than...
04/22/2026

Wishing a very Happy Administrative Professionals Day to our Appalachia Build Administrative Assistant, Ruby Epling!

Thank you for keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes at Appalachia Build and for being a vital part of our team. We truly appreciate all you do!

A group of history students from Professor Patrick Brown’s class at WVU Tech visited Kimball, West Virginia today to lea...
04/17/2026

A group of history students from Professor Patrick Brown’s class at WVU Tech visited Kimball, West Virginia today to learn more about the Dismukes Project. Students participated in an engaging oral history and walking tour led by Program Director Kristin Overstreet, gaining deeper insight into the history of the Dismukes hospital and nurses’ home.

The visit concluded with lunch provided by the Appalachia Build staff, offering time for connection, reflection, and continued conversation.

If you are interested in learning more about the Dismukes Project, visit our website: https://mcc.org/get-involved/volunteer/mcc-appalachia-build/dismukes-projects

We’re excited to share that the interior demolition of the Dismukes Nurses Home is complete, made possible by the hard w...
03/27/2026

We’re excited to share that the interior demolition of the Dismukes Nurses Home is complete, made possible by the hard work of Pleasant View Church and Appalachia Build staff.



Exciting progress is underway!The demolition of the interior of the Dismukes Nurse’s Home has officially begun, and we a...
03/23/2026

Exciting progress is underway!

The demolition of the interior of the Dismukes Nurse’s Home has officially begun, and we are already seeing incredible momentum. Just a few hours in, the team from Pleasant View Church (Goshen, Indiana area) — our first volunteer group to help with the rehabilitation — is making great progress!

We are so thankful for their willingness to serve and for their support of this meaningful project.
The Dismukes Nurse’s Home will soon be transformed into the Dismukes Learning Center — a space that will preserve the history of the Henrietta Dismukes Hospital (circa 1929), the largest privately owned Black hospital in the country, while providing education and training opportunities for the community.

If you’d like to learn more about this project or support the work being done, visit: https://mcc.org/get-involved/volunteer/mcc-appalachia-build/dismukes-projects

Address

PO BOX 406
Elkhorn City, KY
41522

Telephone

+16066344418

Website

http://mcc.org/appalachia-build

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