Johnstown is becoming more and more beautiful, especially with recent home renovations in the surrounding area. 6 News visited and spoke to the crews who are making such a huge impact on residences in the community.
The Hosanna industry is making an imprint on the Johnstown community as they work on their 12th renovation since January.
Brian Hetzer (Hosanna Industries Constructive Services Supervisor) said, "Hosanna is a faith base charitable mission, we have 501c3 status in Pennsylvania and we were born into the world as an idea to help low and very low-income families with repairs to their homes." Hetzer also mentioned, "the Johnstown redevelopment authority is receiving applications through their office and then they just filter it to us and we go out to do inspections and then line the work up and the resources to get it done."
And to get it done quickly, Hosanna has partnered with different nonprofits including the 1889 foundation, the redevelopment authority and volunteers from Ozaukee congregational church in Wisconsin to make visions turn in to reality in the community.
Rob Frederickson (Ozaukee Congregational Church Associate Minister) told WJAC, "this year we're in Johnstown and it’s kind of a special circumstance so were sleeping at a church that’s called crucified ministries here in Johnstown. They’ve been super gracious, they’ve been feeding us fantastically. They also have another group called bridge to life, shout out to bridge to life because I mean they have been cooking and treating us so well."
Most members partaking in the construction are just picking up work tools for the first time.
Rob Frederickson also mentioned, "on a real nuts and bolts kind of basis I mean most us have next to zero experience with anything craftsmanship orientated. So right now, behind me in the kitchen there are people learning to floor who never before done any flooring, there are people going to be putting in cabinets and stuff. We had never done windows before yesterday."
The volunteers are not getting paid for the work they are completing, but they do it with pure enjoyment in giving back to those in the low-income households and communities.
Brian Hetzer explained, "people really are drawn to see good in their communities."
The outcome of these renovation projects can and hopefully will inspire better to happen in the Johnstown community.