July 2026 - A Home Protected, A Family Encouraged, A Community Inspired

A Neighbor in Need

For more than 40 years, Mr. Ballou has called his Milwaukie home his own. A 70-year-old disabled widower, he has spent decades building memories there while raising a family that now includes children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Today, he continues to play an important role in helping care for the youngest generation of his family.

As time passed, however, maintaining the home became more than he could manage alone. Due to physical limitations and the growing repair needs of the property, Mr. Ballou reached out to Catalyst in 2025 for help. Recognizing both the urgency of the repairs and the importance of preserving a home that means so much to his family, we knew we wanted to come alongside this neighbor and offer support.

Selecting the Ballou Home for a DEEP Project

In early 2026, Catalyst selected Mr. Ballou's home as our seasonal DEEP project. The property faced several critical challenges that needed to be addressed to ensure it remained safe, secure, healthy, and energy efficient for the family who calls it home.

The first priority was replacing a roof that had far exceeded its expected lifespan and was in serious disrepair.

Addressing a Critical Roof Failure

The existing roof was more than 15 years beyond its intended service life and suffered from multiple active leaks. Years of moisture intrusion, combined with inadequate ventilation, had allowed mold to spread throughout much of the attic space.

Over three days, an incredible team of volunteers worked together to restore and protect the home. Their efforts included:

• Removing the aging roof.

• Removing and replacing approximately 90% of the roof sheathing due to extensive mold damage.

• Installing new roof and eave ventilation to improve attic airflow.

• Installing a brand-new roof generously donated by Malarkey Roofing Products.

• Replacing water-damaged siding along the roofline.

• Completing general yard cleanup.

• Trimming large tree branches that posed a risk to the home.

These improvements not only addressed immediate safety concerns but also created a strong foundation for future repairs and energy-efficiency upgrades.

The Power of Community

One of the most inspiring aspects of this project was watching neighbors come together to help another neighbor in need. Individuals from across the community willingly gave their time, energy, and skills to support a family they may never have met before.

In just three days:

• 78 volunteers served on the project.

• More than 350 volunteer hours were donated.

These volunteers demonstrated the incredible impact that can be made when a community unites around a common purpose: helping a neighbor remain safely in the home they love.

A Partnership That Made the Difference

As the project progressed, it became clear that the work was falling behind schedule. That's when Ability Plus Roofing stepped in with extraordinary generosity.

Without hesitation, the company provided three professional roofers to join the volunteer team and help complete the project on time. Their expertise and willingness to serve played a vital role in the success of the roof replacement.

We are deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment to supporting our community.

More Than a Home Repair

While repairing the roof was a significant accomplishment, one of the greatest blessings of this project was the opportunity to build relationships with multiple generations of the Ballou family.

At Catalyst, completing repairs is only part of our mission. We believe lasting impact happens through meaningful relationships, mutual support, and demonstrating genuine care for our neighbors. Spending time with the Ballou family reminded us that every project is ultimately about people, not just buildings.

Looking Ahead: The Next Phase

The roof replacement marked an important first step in a larger plan to preserve and improve the Ballou home.

Now that the home is weather-tight, the Catalyst Energy Conservation Team has arranged for new attic and crawl space insulation through funding provided by our partner, Energy Trust of Oregon. These energy-efficiency improvements will help create a healthier, more comfortable living environment while reducing long-term energy costs.

In September, Catalyst will return to complete the next phase of the DEEP project, including:

New Windows and Doors

Replacing aging windows and doors will improve comfort, energy efficiency, and security.

Siding Replacement

Failing exterior siding will be replaced to better protect the home from the elements.

Exterior Painting

A fresh coat of paint will help preserve the home's exterior and restore its appearance.

Together, these improvements will help ensure Mr. Ballou and his family can safely remain in the home they cherish for many years to come.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The Ballou project is a powerful example of what happens when people choose to serve with generosity, compassion, and purpose. Every volunteer, partner, and donor played a role in helping a neighbor find renewed hope and stability.

We invite you to join us as we continue serving the Ballou family and other neighbors throughout our community, demonstrating the love of Christ through practical acts of service and creating lasting change, one home at a time.

Project Stats and Partners:

Volunteers: 78

Volunteer Hours: 350

Malarkey Roofing Products - donated roofing materials

Shepherds Door - providing volunteer support

Stone Creek Church – providing volunteer support

Ability Plus Roofing – provided labor support

Oregon City Christian Church - providing volunteer support

Oregon Roofing Company - donated labor and food for the crews

 

Project photos