GOoD Works, a faith-based organization in Chapin, has assisted community members since 2002.

“The primary focus is to repair homes for those in need in our community, ensuring that our neighbors have safe, dry and sanitary living conditions," Executive Director Mary Higginbotham said. "In 2023, we completed more than 120 projects, including roof replacements, plumbing, floors, wells and HVAC repairs. We also gave a mobile home to a client in need of housing.”

Those needing a helping hand are often referred through word-of-mouth and the work is then completed by several volunteers.

Most who donate their time and services to GOoD Works are retirees and church groups.

“We need volunteers who are handy with home repairs, as well as those who are unskilled, who we call 'eager helpers,'" Higginbotham said. "Our skilled volunteers don’t need to be construction professionals and don’t need to know everything about all aspects of home repair. Whether a volunteer’s comfort level is plumbing or carpentry, we need them. Also, we work on projects during the week, weekends, throughout the year, and our volunteers can be flexible and based on their schedule and convenience.”

Projects such as painting interiors and exteriors, helping the elderly with yard work and an array of other improvements benefit many in the community. The most common repairs involve problems with roofs and water usage, and the cost to fix these issues can be thousands of dollars.

Higginbotham spends a lot of time applying for grants to help with the cost of repairing or replacing roofs because they’re expensive and difficult for people to restore on their own. She is thankful they are able to provide relief for their clients, she said.

When asked what inspires her most about GOoD Works and the organization's ability to renovate homes, Higginbotham said, “I am reminded of a meeting I had with an elderly lady who came to us seeking a ramp for her home to enable her husband to get in and out of the house. When I told her we could build it, she asked how much it would cost. I told her there was no charge, and she looked at me surprised, and through her tears, asked why. I shared with her that Jesus has called us to serve and to love one another, and GOoD Works is here to do that.”

If you would like to make a financial donation to GOoD Works, volunteer your time or invite Higginbotham to give a presentation to your group about their mission, more information can be found at https://gwchapin.wixsite.com/goodworks and their number is 803-345-2030.