The Rev. Debra Maconaughey of St. Columba Episcopal Church in Marathon is someone of deep faith. She has been praying for divine intervention, as she and the church struggle to repair the Brigid Place affordable housing complex in Marathon, one which her church owns.
Based on recent developments, her prayers may soon be answered.
The Rev. Maconaughey, who admitted in previous conversations the situation has taken a physical and mental toll on her, recently shared she is very close to receiving a very sizeable donation from a “part-time local” whom she described as “someone who really cares about this community and understands the need for workforce housing.”
She said until the donation is in hand, which could occur, fittingly, around Easter Sunday, she’ll keep the donor’s information anonymous. “We’re crossing our fingers,” she said.
The church is the owner of the affordable housing complex and, since last April, has lamented the tragic displacement of 16 families after a balcony collapse rendered the apartments unsafe for occupancy.
The Rev. Maconaughey has demonstrated a relentless determination to resurrect the housing complex and restore those 16 affordable units. “Workforce housing is so important,” she said.
The church has enlisted R. Hendrick Construction with the Brigid Place refurbishment, and company president Randy Hendrick said late last year he’s confident the complex is repairable. A concrete and spalling repair specialist since 1978, Hendrick firmly believes this massive undertaking will be successful. In many ways, he shares Maconaughey’s spiritual confidence. While no work has begun yet, all permit applications have been submitted to the city.
“Building reviews were conducted with the city in February and our permits are in the queue right now and have been since November,” she said.
The long-term repair plan will be to fix one building at a time, which both Hendrick and Maconaughey believe will get some families back in their homes sooner, while also spreading out the financial impact. Hendrick believes it will take six to eight months to complete the project once it’s begun.
The short-term plan, which the church has the money to complete immediately even without the donor contribution, is to repair the front building and potentially create a retail store and generate even more income for the larger project. Since that is a commercial building and a relatively simple refurbishment, Maconaughey sees that as one more fundraising component the church is counting on for repairs.
St. Columba most recently conducted “Marathon Monopoly Game Night,” heldm on March 22. The event included an Italian dinner and desert for $30 per person and raised almost $5,000. It was catered by Frank’s Grill and Keys Fisheries, and sponsorships raised another $5,000. Sponsors included D’Asign Source, Marathon Garbage, Marathon Custard, 3rd Generation Plumbing, Key Colony Realty and other local Marathon businesses.
The church is exploring many angles to raise funds. It has diverted proceeds from their Nearly New Furniture Shop, located at 12565 Overseas Highway, to pay many of the Brigid Place expenses. The Rev. Maconaughey said parishioners are tremendously generous with their time and money, which has helped.
“It’s been torture, it’s been hard, but I never lose faith, just some sleep,” she said. On top of the Brigid Place challenge, she’s had to also contend with caring for her ailing parents who have since passed and making church repairs. “The housing complex has been a remarkable burden, but our parishioners are dialed into our challenges,” she said.
Joshua Mothner, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate in Marathon, who acts as the property manager for Brigid Place through the realty firm, raves about Maconaughey’s convictions.
“Debra leads from the heart,” he said. “She walks the walk more than anyone I know in that space.” He added his daughter lived there at one time and after the collapse he contracted with the city as an affordable housing coordinator, so he can contribute even more to this important housing situation.
Parishioner Susie Curry, who owned Stouts Restaurant for 21 years, said Maconaughey visited her mother frequently before she passed. “She gives of herself and hopes more people will embrace her vision that Marathon is a place for everybody. She is so dedicated to this town and radiates what it means to be a Christian.”
Hendrick has worked out a very favorable pricing structure for the church. The array of fundraising initiatives, coupled with the potential significant donor, along with The Rev. Maconaughey’s faith and prayers means the church is much closer to achieving the restoration of the 16 affordable units.
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