Handyman Ministries: “We’re simply looking for people who have a need.”

Following in the steps of Nehemiah. East of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a 72-year old retired man compiles the day’s list of repair projects. On this day, Harold Simcox thinks he and his crew may squeeze in four projects before dinner. 

“Our mission is basically pretty simple,” said Simcox. “When possible, we serve our community through home repairs for anyone with a legitimate need.” 

Nehemiah’s Few—a handyman ministry—is a large group of men and women representing Triad Baptist Church in Kernersville. The all-volunteer crew enjoys full support from its church. Simcox coordinates all repair jobs and operates within a set budget. Volunteers move from job to job using a tool-stocked trailer and a donated vehicle. Labor is always free, but Simcox occasionally sources funds for materials from nonprofits in the community.

Since 2004, Nehemiah volunteers—ranging from teens to 80 year-olds—have performed more than 5,000 jobs. Jobs can be as small as replacing a broken door lock or as big as repairing a rotted bathroom floor. He has even done jobs for area churches who lack their own means. 

“A lot of what we do involves home modifications to assist with handicap issues,” said Simcox. Often, it’s the elderly or disabled who don’t have the funds to do the repairs themselves. “By building a ramp, widening a door, or installing grab bars, we help keep people in their own home instead of relocating to a facility.” 

Cut out hidden dangers 

For Simcox, safety begins with applying wisdom in making a job selection. To him, it’s about knowing your limits. “We turn down jobs that are too big or too dangerous or outside of our scope of expertise.” Even then, Simcox says that he finds a way to help by connecting the homeowner with his extensive network of nonprofits, agencies, and senior services. “My basic philosophy is to try to assist each request.”

If your organization is looking to jump-start a handyman ministry, rev up an existing one, or just take on a few service projects, safety should be your first consideration. “I tell the people, we really care that we satisfy you, but now we’ve got to satisfy the Lord,” said Simcox. “And that puts a very high standard on the quality of our work and our safety measures.” 

You can set an equally high standard for safety. Brotherhood Mutual recommends the following steps:

1. Check with your insurance agent to see if your policy covers activities and volunteers while completing service projects.

2. Do your homework. A ministry should decline jobs that require licensed individuals and building permits unless it has those resources.

3. Require recipients of the work to sign a Service Project Agreement.

4. Screen all volunteers since they will be working in homes and possibly around children. A thorough screening involves a written application, references check, and criminal background check. 

5. Require adults and parents of youth volunteers to sign a Participation Agreement. Include permission to treat for medical emergencies. 

6. Provide personal protective equipment for construction, like hardhats, safety goggles, and earplugs. Carry a well-stocked first aid kit. 

7. Supply the job site leader with a list of emergency numbers. Include volunteers, ministry leadership, local emergency numbers, and locations of clinics and hospitals nearest to the job site.

8. Consider trip insurance for out-of-town jobs, like disaster relief assistance. Faith Ventures offers single-trip plans 100 miles or greater from the primary residence. Plans start at $30 and include accident medical expense.+

“I want to receive the blessings.”

Because of Simcox’s casual humility and soft-spoken nature, it’d be easy to miss the outsized impact he and his crew create within their community. When the Nehemiah crew rolls up, it’s a big deal to those receiving assistance. 

“Our very first job was an electrical problem. A lady at our church had been without electricity in part of her home for six months.” What he heard after completing the job solidified his mission: “She was crying and praising the Lord. Thanking me for restoring her home. That just happens to us over and over again.”

This, he says, is why he organized a handyman ministry and why he’ll continue for another few years. “I want to bless the community, but I want to receive the blessings, too.”

Related Resources

• The Deacon's Bench Online - Hidden Dangers

• Defend your property against high winds

• Spring Maintenance for Roof and HVAC systems

• Protect Your Equipment Investment

• First Aid Kit Contents Checklist

+ All coverages are subject to conditions, coverage limits, limitations, and exclusions. For precise detail of coverage, please refer to actual policy forms.

Posted May 24, 2021.

The information provided in this article is intended to be helpful, but it does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. We strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program.