Stand: The Sheds of Hope Story
The Holiday Farm Fire erupted in September 2020, racing through Blue River, Vida and beyond. Evacuees streamed into Springfield. Thousands were displaced - in the middle of a pandemic. No one knew how many acres, structures, or lives would be taken. Volunteers flooded the evacuation center, upending their schedules and braving toxic air, with meals and piles of donations in hand. Despite the smoke and uncertainty in the air, our community showed up.
The ash settled, revealing that more than 400 homes were lost, and one single fatality; a miraculous statistic for a disaster of such magnitude. Recovery would be a long journey.
As Jesus-followers, we responded together.
With a decade’s history of serving together, the question was not if churches would respond together, but how. How would we best use our pooled resources and collaborative relationships? How would God lead us to come alongside the recovery journey? Leaders took one posture: standing ready and discerning how to help fire victims.
Pastors in Eugene and Springfield embraced Pastor Doug, the leader of Blue River’s Living Water Family Fellowship. His church burned, as did his home. Dozens of his church members faced the same loss.
In the days following the fire, he began to see a family of churches standing with him, as we discussed how to collaborate and serve together.
The First Shed Recipients in Vida, OR
An opportunity presented itself in a community meeting with local volunteers, Lane County leaders, and FEMA: new sheds gifted to fire victims would provide a small, but significant, first step on the rebuilding journey.
In that meeting, Pastor Doug stood up to volunteer to be the “Shed Guy,” knowing the support of his pastor-friends down the river. It was clear. God would lead His people to build Sheds of Hope.
So a team went to work...
...experimenting with plans, and fine tuning them so any group could build a shed. Retired friends at Camp Harlow went first, then Kaminski Construction joined the effort. Soon after, we hosted three build days for teams to learn to build sheds themselves.
6 Sheds | November 27
“I cannot describe the feeling of seeing my shed from the driveway. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You!”
It couldn’t have happened without retired pastors and contractors like Alan Gering (Joy Church), Alan Christensen (Springfield Church of God) and Richard Russell (Northwood Christian). They emerged as key leaders and shepherds, training teams and casting vision.
Builders then took the plans back to their churches. One church planned to build twenty sheds, but raised funds for 26 sheds. Another church shared funds with other churches. By December 2020, momentum was building toward 2021.
“Four walls & a roof! Happy Tears! Who would’ve thought a little shed could mean so much!?!”
Property owners started applying for sheds and spreading the word with growing anticipation. 22 Sheds | February 20
Sheds of Hope began to take on a life of its own, spreading hope in the hearts of men and women, and springing up along the McKenzie Highway. 35 Sheds | March 20
Ten youth groups, college ministries and community groups focused their usual spring break mission trips on their own county. 50 Sheds | March 26
During spring break, one recipient told students “I truly can’t even describe how amazing it feels to have somewhere safe and secure to keep my things....” 57 Sheds | April 1
“Safe and Secure: A feeling I haven’t felt in six months.”
As of April 10th, 61 sheds now stand on property, and 25+ are still in the works. And it doesn’t stop there.
High school shop programs caught wind of the model. In partnership with Sheds of Hope, Lane County high schools will build 20+ sheds, recruiting community members to mentor students as they build.
Sheds of Hope: For years to come, those who drive along the McKenzie River will see sheds lining the highway: monuments...
... to a community that stands together,
... to God’s standing commitment to a community He loves,
... to the endless potential, when a united Church serves together, standing in the confident expectation of a good God.
A standing hope,
in the face of adversity.
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO Together
Sheds of Hope started as a relief effort that pastors discerned together. It became an avenue for anyone of goodwill to partner in the rebuilding process. From high schoolers to retired contractors, Sheds of Hope has become a multifaceted blessing; blessing those who give and receive.
Up river, God is opening doors for new friendships and the Gospel. As pastors from the McKenzie River community visit every site that receives a shed, God is doing new things. One couple stepped foot on their neighboring church property for the first time. Another said they’re seeing the church in a whole new light.
When Sheds of Hope is complete, the local church will remain.
This is a lasting work, made possible through a unified church partnering with Jesus in His work.