Methodist partnership helping to restore NECD


By Corliss Pauling

NCCU Staff Writer

the Durham VOICE

thedurhamvoice@gmail.com

During these tough economic times a lot of families are finding themselves out on the street. But the Jubilee Restoration Project is one local organization that is doing its part to help save the community and the people that live in it.

A newly renovated house is for sale at 204 Vine St. (Photo courtesy of Jubilee Restoration Project)

A newly renovated house is for sale at 204 Vine St. (Photo courtesy of Jubilee Restoration Project)

The Jubilee Restoration Project, founded in 2007, by a group of Northeast Central Durham residents and Asbury Temple Methodist Church is a non-profit organization that helps to rebuild and restore vacant lots for affordable housing.

According to David Arthur one of the key motivations that led to the creation of Jubilee Restoration Project was Christian Community Development (CCD) a national group that was started by John and Vera Mae Perkins that helps church ministries improve their surrounding community by utilizing biblical principles.

After taking almost a year to finish, the non-profit organization completed its first house in the spring of 2008. The newly renovated house, which is located on 204 Vine St., is a one story two bedroom house that features all new plumbing and original hardwood floors.

It was purchased by the Jubilee Restoration Project with the help of donations and a loan from Arthur’s parents.

“It felt very good to actually get out there and get my hands dirty and donate my time and energy for a good cause,” says Lanella Smith, a member of Asbury Temple Methodist church. She also says that Arthur is the one who spearheaded the whole project and deserves all the credit for having a caring heart.

“The house was built with the help of local residents, church members, youth groups and even students participating in Wesley Fellowship from Duke University,” says David Arthur, the Jubilee Restoration Project head volunteer and member of Asbury Temple Methodist Church.

The organization also hired out local contractors to install the electrical equipment.  The house is now on the market for $60,000 and is only selling to first time home buyers.

“Our overall objective is to boost the morale of the surrounding neighborhood and bring awareness to the challenges facing NECD,” says Arthur. The Jubilee Restoration Project’s other main goal is to provide housing for the community.

Not only is the Jubilee Restoration Project focused on repairing houses but the organization is now working on future plans to build playgrounds, gardens and others areas that NECD residents can use.