America Works: Continued

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission burned during the night a few weeks back, not only destroying the building, but displacing about 100 homeless residents who have since camped out in the Fair Grounds in tents. There is no money to rebuild that which is lost in any segment of the population, but most especially in the service of society's most needy, so no one had an idea when -- or if -- repairs would be made.

I sent a donation to help replace the "things" that were lost, such as food, cooking supplies, etc., but my pittance won't go far. I thought about the stack of afghans I took there over the Christmas holiday, my using up what's here project, and hoped that they were given out to those in need, rather than destroyed in the fire. The b'fast club had also donated to the rescue mission, but no matter how much is given, the need always exceeds the available resources.

ORR Construction, one of the more reputable firms in the valley, showed up on-site last week and started rebuilding. Really. Their goal is to have the facility ready for re-occupancy by late Sunday of this week, ala Extreme Make-Over kamikaze style construction. Estimated cost: $200,000, which is being paid for by ORR Construction, and includes updating the electrical in the old, old building, the probable cause for the fire. It's up to the valley communities to replace the "things," which may take a while in this economy, but, as with everything else in life, it's one step at a time.

ORR Construction knows how to get the job done: no discussion; no excuses; no strings attached. Yep, America Works when the people are willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.