Paul Smith Rebuild

Last year, many of you saw the sad picture of the 100-year old home that burned to the ground in Tuscaloosa. This home belonged to Paul Smith, a member of our congregation. We would like to share some of Paul's life story so that all can understand our heartfelt desire to see Paul's home rebuilt.

Paul Smith, the owner of the home, was hospitalized in December of 2005 after falling from a ladder. He was installing a new metal roof on the home he shared with his young adult daughter. The fall left Paul paralyzed from the chest down.

Paul was facing a life without walking, running, driving, or the ability to handle the chores necessary to take care of a home. Because of this, Paul was battling very serious emotions regarding life itself.

As Paul began facing his life with limited mobility, a number of volunteers came together to build a wheelchair ramp for Paul's home. Later, volunteers constructed a sidewalk to join Paul's home with his mother's home next door.

Late one evening while Paul was at his mother's home, fire erupted in the roof of his home, which he had yet to insure. In spite of a concerted effort by the fire department, Paul helplessly watched his home burn to the ground.

Raymond E. Key, Sr, a local business owner and member of UCC, is leading this effort. He has found a group of people in Tuscaloosa who are willing to invest the time and effort necessary to rebuild a home for Paul and his daughter. They need partners who can help them accomplish this huge task. They have no desire to put anyone on the spot. They also do not want to unfairly take advantage of local businesses or make anyone feel obligated because of any professional, business or social relationship. They simply need your help.

Walt Graham of Walt Graham Construction asked to be given the privilege of overseeing the work of rebuilding. He only requests that we find others who are willing to help in the various trade responsibilities and financial costs so no one has to take on any huge burden.

Perhaps you are a part of a church or neighborhood group that would like to take on a portion of this project. Please review the list of needs below to help make this project happen. Together we can make a difference.

New Home Exterior Floor Plan Needs Donor List

We estimate the list of materials to cost around $60,000. If you can help with any of these costs, please make your donation payable
to the “Paul Smith Rebuild Fund”.

We estimate that sub-trade labor costs would amount to around $75,000. If you can bring your talents to the table to help with some of these areas of labor, please let us know what you might be able to do. If you wish to donate money toward the hiring of sub trades to help pay in areas where skilled labor has not been volunteered, please make your gift payable to the “Paul Smith Rebuild Fund”.

Can you volunteer your time to help in any of these areas as a professional or a helper? Can you donate any of the supplies needed? Can you make a monetary donation toward this effort? If so, please fax your intent to Laurie at the UCC office at 205-553-0007. You may also give Laurie a call at 205-553-3001 ext 20, or you may e-mail her at laurie@universitycofc.org.

We hope you will pray about this matter and allow God to direct your heart and mind as you think about how you can respond.