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Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—sometimes inadvertently called the Mormon Church—have often heard the adage: Fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without. This is precisely what is happening with an abandoned Mormon meetinghouse near downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. The Church of Jesus Christ donated the site to the American Cancer Society in 2011 for the Hope Lodge—housing for cancer patients and their caregivers while they undergo treatments. And the American Cancer Society recently partnered with the local Habitat for Humanity to salvage usable materials for building homes for Salt Lake Valley families in need. [1]
The three-story, brick building—built in 1951, mostly by local members of the ward, or congregation—housed the 13th Ward until 2008, when the congregation was moved to another location. The Church of Jesus Christ donated the 2.2-acre lot, worth an estimated $4.2 million, to the American Cancer Society in 2011. When the donation was announced, Glenn McKay, director of real estate for The Church of Jesus Christ, said:
I’m sure there will be some mixed emotions on the part of those who built this building with their own blood, sweat and tears. But I can’t imagine a better use for this property than what it’s going to be used for. [2]
Uniting Forces for a Common Cause
Ed Blake, executive director for the Salt Lake Valley Habitat for Humanity, said the partnership symbolizes a continuing legacy of giving people a place to call home—for cancer patients as well as families in need. It is definitely a cycle of charity and caring for the poor and needy that is befitting to a former house of the Lord. [1]
Throughout the summer, volunteers from local businesses will “harvest” still-usable materials—including carpet, metal bathroom stalls, sinks, toilets, doors, bathroom and light fixtures, crown and base molding, speakers and cabinets. Volunteers will also remove nails to either use in other projects or sell. Some of the maple wood from the church building will be used in the Hope Lodge. Construction on the lodge is set to begin in spring 2014. Habitat for Humanity will use the materials they glean to build homes as well as in the thrift store. [1]
Pam Higginson, regional vice president for the American Cancer Society, pitched the idea to the society’s board after learning of Habitat for Humanity’s need for materials, and the board approved the arrangement. She said that although the two charitable organizations have different goals, they were able to “combine forces to work toward a common cause.” [1]
