If you need home repairs, but your budget is tight, help is here. The Eastern York Workcamp Initiative provides free home repairs during a weeklong camp held in June. The program is currently accepting applications from homeowners looking for help with work such as installing handicapped ramps, interior or exterior painting, weatherization and limited construction.

"This is an opportunity to get free help," said Joe Bachman, director of the Eastern York Workcamp Initiative. "Group Workcamps has been working with low-income, disabled and elderly residents since 1977. Locally this will be our third camp. We have many testimonies of the work that was done and the relationships that were built with the youth that came to our community to help us."

Campers attend the program from across the country, spending a week in central Pennsylvania to complete repairs on homes within a 30-mile radius of Eastern York Middle School. It is preferred that applicants own their home, but it is not required if repairs are approved by the landlord.

"We are looking for a weeklong project," Bachman explained. "Part of the objective of the camp is for the youth to grow in a relationship with a resident. This will only happen if they spend four to five days together. ... Also considered is the type of work that needs done." Because of the age and inexperience of the high-school-age campers, no landscaping or roof repairs are included in the work.

Bachman, who leads a youth group program in Hellam, shared that the camp's goal is 250 campers, which would provide workers for 42 sites.

Although some campers come from outside Pennsylvania, many are local students, he said. "We originally thought the youth would not want to do local work because they enjoyed the road trip," Bachman said, referring to the option of going on a mission trip outside the youths' hometown. "We found out that some of the most meaningful things the kids have done have been their local work. They can follow up and stay in contact with a resident by visiting them, and they also can drive by and see what they completed for years to come. If there's any local youth groups that would want to get involved, I would highly recommend it. It's the pinnacle of what we've done in our youth group. It is a life-changing event."

Bachman encourages people who need home repairs to apply for the program, which will run from June 22 through 28, 2025. He noted that homeowners receive more than just home improvements.

"If you are fortunate enough to be selected to have your home repair completed, it will not just be about the repair of your home. It will be the relationships that you form during that week," he remarked. "When we get our post-camp surveys, it's interesting that most people don't list that they're thankful for the work that was done - although they are. They are thankful that the kids spent a week with them, and they got to hear (the youths') stories and they got to share theirs with the kids. The camp is always about relationships. Your love of community, your faith in the future of our young people and your restoration in humanity will be fulfilled."

Applications will be received for the workcamp through Friday, Nov. 15. For more information, text Bachman at 717-424-1136. For details on the workcamp, visit https://groupcares.org/group-mission-trips.