375 Volunteers Transform 38 Homes in Cedar Rapids

When Angela Stafford's mother suffered two strokes and three heart surgeries, keeping up with home repairs became impossible. This week, a small army of volunteers showed up to help.

Matthew 25's 11th Annual Transform Week brought more than 375 volunteers to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to complete 38 home improvement projects at no cost to homeowners. The weeklong event focused on the Time Check and Taylor neighborhoods, where volunteers tackled everything from painting and siding replacement to deck repairs and landscaping.

The program serves residents who can't afford necessary repairs or are physically unable to do the work anymore. Homeowners apply to participate, and volunteers complete the projects using donated labor, sponsorships and grants.

For the Stafford family, the help arrived at exactly the right time. After her mother's recent fall, volunteers installed railings for safety, re-sided the home and cleaned up debris. "They have no clue what it means to us," Angela Stafford said. "We're just so grateful and thankful."

Les Minor has volunteered at every Transform Week since the program started 11 years ago. This year, his team painted a house and built accessibility features including a ramp and deck modifications. "It's a great feeling to help the people out," Minor said.

The Ripple Effect

Transform Week's impact extends far beyond fresh paint and new railings. One homeowner told organizers the repairs would allow him to stay in his house instead of selling and moving elsewhere. For families like the Staffords, who received help for the second year in a row, the program provides both practical improvements and emotional support during difficult times.

The event has grown dramatically since its first year when just a handful of volunteers completed a few projects. Word spread through the Cedar Rapids community, and companies began bringing employee groups to volunteer. Charisse Lawrence, communications and marketing leader for Matthew 25, says construction experience isn't required. "We'll match you with whatever," she said. "Even if it's just picking up something or talking with the homeowners."

Volunteers say the reward goes both ways. Minor loves driving around town and pointing out homes his team has worked on. "Our church is heavily involved in it," he said. "It's nice to see the homes that you've worked on."

The projects take only a few days to complete, but organizers say the impact on homeowners and neighborhoods lasts for years.