Mr. Skip's home is under threat of being condemned by the city because of the exterior damage of his home following the tornado.

As October 27, 2011  marked the six month anniversary of the deadly spring tornadoes in Tuscaloosa, the United Saints are asisting homeowner Mr. Skip to stabilize his home so it will not be condemned by the city. Mr. Skip is a photographer by trade and founded Wild Goose Missions, a nonprofit photography studio that is using the art of photography to expose and share the needs that people have.

Mr. Skip has been a long time resident of the city of Tuscaloosa, and his home was greatly damaged by the April 27th tornado. During the storm, a large tree from his neighbor’s yard fell into Mr. Skip’s home.  Many of his windows were blown out and his back porch area suffered severe damage. Along with other exterior damages, the roof is also in need of repair. Mr. Skips home was uninsured and he does not have the resources to make all of the repairs.

Samaritan’s Purse came in right after the storm and removed the tree and broken windows from his house. Samaritan’s purse also donated tarps to cover the roof and  damaged front windows of the home.

As the city continues the rebuilding process, the Tuscaloosa Forward initiative is quickly progressing. The city is currently evaluating storm damaged property, and making assessments of whether or not the structures can be repaired or will be condemned.  The expedient progress of the city is putting homeowners in a time crunch.

Mr. Skip was summoned to a nuisance abatement public hearing  that took place on October 26.  During the hearing, the decision was made not to condemn his house. However, he must take precautionary measures to comply with the city’s ordinances for making sure his home is structurally sound, safe and all repairs must be made to the exterior of the home.

The United Saints along with volunteers from Volunteer Tuscaloosa are working to help Mr. Skip. The most immediate needs are to board up his windows, clear his property of tornado debris, and work to clear out his landscape. We are excited to be helping Mr. Skip and look forward to the progress that will be made.

Donations are needed to help us with this project. We are asking for donations of building materials, drywall and roofing supplies. Monetary donations can be made through our website, PayPal or by check. We guarantee that 100% of the donations received will benefit the homeowners we are working with.

Mr. Skip created his own Facebook page to help bring awareness to his situation. Read his story here.

UPDATE! Mr. Skip has made a lot of progress on his home! A collaboration of community efforts has been made to help rebuild Skip’s home. Along with the United Saints, Project Blessings has provided time and volunteers to help Mr. Skip.

Mr. Skip made a slideshow of the progress, please take a moment to check it out here.

Check out the gallery below to view the damage and progress of Mr. Skip’s home.