Ten years and more than 160 homes later, the World Changers volunteers will be back in Meridian again next month, making home improvements and providing a better quality of life for needy Meridian residents.

Since 1998, World Changers has brought between 150 and 200 young people to Meridian to work in teams and make repairs to local homes. World Changers is a ministry of the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. The organization creates partnerships with local governments and other agencies to assist those in need of certain types of home repairs. Locally, the organization works with the City of Meridian and the Lauderdale County Baptist Association.

Youths from around the country, along with adult leaders, will be in Meridian from June 14-21, 2008, working on homes in crews of 10-15 people. The crews perform work such as roof replacement or repair, installation of handicap ramps, floor and ceiling repairs, some window and door replacement and light carpentry work. They do not perform plumbing or electrical work or make structural repairs. Applications were taken last December and January, with World Changers making the final selections based on suitability.

Only homes inside the City of Meridian are eligible and they must be owner occupied. Only low and moderate-income residents are considered, and highest priority is given to homeowners with disabilities. No manufactured or rental properties are eligible, Any home or homeowner who has already been assisted by World Changers will not be considered as long as there are qualified applicants who have not previously received assistance.

For more information, contact Virginia Williamson in the Community Development Department at 601-485-1915.