Jones County RISE, MXNetwork to help restore damaged homes
By Junious Smith III
FORT BARNWELL — A partnership to assist the needs of Jones County storm survivors has been formed.
Jones County RISE and the MXNetwork are working together with the latter organization coming to agreement with Woodmen of the World to use the camp at Fort Barnwell, which will house volunteer groups who help rebuild homes in Jones and surrounding counties. Jones County RISE Chairman Joy Wynne said the importance is vital, especially knowing the area’s needs.
“Jones County has struggled from the onset of the storm with being able to house the many volunteer groups offering to bring assistance and skilled labor, which is paramount to our recovery countywide,” Wynne said. “It’s no secret that there are no hotels in the county. Many of our county buildings were damaged and are still in the repair process. With a county population of approximately 10,000, there are still 719 open FEMA claims, all residential. That leaves us with over $6 million in unmet needs.
“The camp at Fort Barnwell, though it is in the edge of Craven County, is geographically close enough to Jones to meet our needs for volunteer housing. RISE supports the fundraising efforts to secure this camp because we recognize the significant assistance it is and will continue to provide for Jones County in this long recovery process.”
Wynne said the camp would’ve been beneficial during Hurricane Florence, as it suffered no damage and maintained power throughout the storm. Besides having the large space, mess hall and several places for recreational games such as billiards, there are nine cabins to hold 28 people each.
“Last September, we had no shelters in place in Jones County when Florence ripped our county into divided islands,” she said. “This camp could have helped us keep our people close to their homes. Moving forward, we want to do better, be more prepared. The cold hard truth is, recovery for Jones is slow and it will be ongoing for years.
“We are asking for donors to assist MXNetwork in making this acquisition, as MXN has been so gracious to collaborate with RISE in assisting our area.”
Scott Murphy, executive director of MXNetwork, said the organization is doing its best to raise donations in order to house volunteers, who go out into Jones County to help repair homes.
“We have to have somewhere within a 25- to 30-minute range from the worksite,” Mosely said. “We’ve really been pressing hard to raise funds to purchase this property from Woodmen of the World. The need is great — without a place to house them, we can’t bring in any more volunteers. When it comes to raising the money to purchase this facility, we really need the community, churches, friends, family—people around the country to support this function.
“This is a long-term purpose — we’re looking to house volunteers for the next five years.”
Glenn Maddox, a coordinator with Import Mission Camp in Virginia, is helping a group which has been in the area and stayed at the camp to help restore 13 homes in Jones County.
“When we saw what happened to North Carolina, we were asked to assist and answered the call,” Maddox said. “We’ve worked primarily in the Pollocksville area, but are able to set up here and provide assistance to those in need.”
On Friday, Murphy said a group came together to start a Facebook challenge and donate funds.
“There were three families who called saying they wanted to help and initiated a $12,000 match challenge, stepping up to the task,” Murphy said. “We hope others will follow suit.
For more information or to send a donation, go to mxnetwork.org.
