Mennonite Central Committee’s Sharing With Appalachian People home repair program is on the move.

In response to catastrophic flooding in eastern Kentucky this summer, SWAP will open a new location in Pike County. Prior to the flooding, the county already was identified by the Appalachian Regional Commission as one of the most economically depressed counties in the nation.

With the new location opening, MCC is closing the SWAP location in Harlan after 37 years.

SWAP will be able to serve some of the most vulnerable communities in Appalachia by opening the new site.

“When people have access to safe, affordable, quality housing that meets their needs, it supports their overall mental, physical, social and spiritual well-being,” said Kristin Overstreet, MCC Appalachia program director.

The new site is set to open in May at Elkhorn Community Church in Elkhorn City. This isn’t the first time MCC has partnered with ECC. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, ECC helped distribute hand sanitizer and face masks that MCC secured through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

ECC, Overstreet’s home congregation, is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The building can house up to 40 volunteers and has lots of outdoor space, including a basketball court, playground, outdoor seating and room for group activities.

“We’re grateful for the community and partners who opened doors and gave people the opportunity to learn from the richness of cultural interactions in Harlan and surrounding communities,” said Eric Kurtz, MCC Great Lakes executive director. “And we’re grateful for all the volunteers and staff members who served in Harlan over the past 37 years.”

Harlan County supported the program by allowing SWAP to use its forestry camp to host volunteer groups. Christ’s Hands has been a longtime partner with SWAP on many projects.

Several circumstances factored into the decision to close the Harlan site. The well at the camp went dry and it has been difficult to fill staff positions.

SWAP continues to operate a site in Kimball, W.Va.