Approximately 212 youth from around the country will spend June 23-29 of their summer vacations this year serving the citizens of Valdosta through the Southern Hospitality Workcamp. 

These “campers” will arrive on Sunday, June 23, to get situated in their temporary living quarters at Valdosta Middle School, and then they will spend the next five days repairing 18 houses in our community.  The 2013 camp marks the 8^th year the city has hosted this event, which brings in youth to perform basic home repairs, painting and minor construction, at no cost to elderly or disabled homeowners. 

The home sites were selected by the City of Valdosta Neighborhood Development Division based on qualifying criteria.  The homes must be owner occupied, in need of minor repairs and must be located within one of the city’s designated revitalization areas.  Homeowners must also meet the age or disability requirement, and they must also meet the income criteria set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

“We look forward to hosting the Southern Hospitality Workcamp again this year and are proud to work with our official co-sponsor, Lowe’s Distribution Center of Valdosta,” said Larry Hanson, City Manager.  “This is an inspiring and life-changing program that has a positive impact on our homeowners and meets a vital need in our community.” 

In addition to Lowe’s Distribution Center, the Valdosta City Schools System, Group Cares, Wild Adventures, Second Harvest Food Bank of Valdosta and the Valdosta Lowe’s Retail Store play critical roles in the success of the effort.  Local Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s Distribution Center staff members will also support the event as site coaches.

The annual Southern Hospitality Workcamp supports the city’s goal to eliminate substandard housing in the community by the year 2020.  For more information, contact Public Information Officer Sementha Mathews at (229) 259-3548.