MiddletownJournal.com

They came armed with paint brushes and paint cans, sandpaper, nails, and hammers. But on Monday, Jan. 19, as members of the Hope in Action group bore down on the Interfaith Hospitality Network shelter in Lebanon, their most important tool was a commitment to helping their fellow man.

Hope in Action came forth from local Barack Obama supporters who didn't want the excitement and momentum they gained working together during the election to end.

"The transition team has asked people who didn't and didn't support President Elect Obama to come together and work to better the community," said Libby Rupp of Mason. "We worked for a better country and we wanted to make a commitment to our goal.

"IHN really encompassed so many things we wanted to do as a group," said Georgette Marlow. ""This is just our first step in helping Warren County."

"The (presidential) campaign was about grassroots and community organization and we wanted to keep that energy going and make a difference after the election," said Michael Seird of Deerfield Twp., as he put the finishing touches of lime green paint on a bathroom inside the IHN offices. "This was an opportunity to keep making a difference."

The group's repainted much of the IHN's two-home location, set up a community space, and created an office area to help low income families file taxes and apply for government aid. IHN Executive Director Linda Rabolt said the shelter is equipped to provide temporary housing for up to ten families.. The organization helps families regain confidence and dignity, and put their lives back together.

Many children even sacrificed their day off school to help with the community service.

"I volunteered during the presidential campaign," said Mason High student Laura Davis. "What better way to make change than starting right here?"

"When you set out to help someone, politics shouldn't be an impediment," Rupp said. "Otherwise, nothing would get done."

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.