By Taylor Boyd
After more than 25 years of renting the Penny House, the Lord’s Acre Committee last year purchased the home at 42 D & W Lane in Patrick Springs.
“We purchased it from the people that we had it leased from all these years. We made the last payment on it last year, and we have the deed to it now,” said Larry Vernon, vice president of the organization.
The Penny House was established in 1996 by the Lord’s Acre Committee, a collection of about 16 local churches, to provide temporary housing for residents who lose their homes and belongings to fire, flood, or other natural disasters.
“It is set up for fire victims. If somebody’s waterline freezes and they need somewhere to stay the night, or something like that, we don’t mind” letting them stay, Vernon said.
Since opening nearly 30 years ago, more than 100 families have stayed at the Penny House.
Vernon said the home was used extensively over the summer because of multiple fires in Patrick County.
The Penny House includes three bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, bathroom, and a laundry room.
“We do not receive funds from the county. This is all individuals and churches,” he said.
The house is currently occupied by the Henry family, who lost their mobile home in a fire in late February. The family’s 3-year-old daughter died from severe burns caused by the fire.
Before the Henry family moved in, Vernon said volunteers had not had time to clean the house.
“Once people found out about it they have come in there, not just the church people. These churches and people from every which way have come to help out. The outpouring of merchandise, money, and people coming to help” has been overwhelming.
Vernon said one church donated new beds, mattresses, and linens, while others helped clean cabinets and install new blinds.
“We had a water leak behind the house where the town water comes in — a gentleman has worked on that and got it fixed. We had a receptacle that needed to be replaced, and a guy has done that,” he said.
Because so many people wanted to help, Vernon joked that parking overflowed onto Spring Road.
While he does not know how long the Henry family will remain at the Penny House, Vernon said they now have new beds and toys.
To help the family, Vernon said every donation the organization has received has been given to them.
“This was the idea behind this Penny House to start with. When there’s a need, and the people know about it, they respond, and when you get the word, people find out about it, and they don’t mind helping,” he said.
Those wishing to donate to the Henry family may visit GoFundMe.com and search “Support for Family After Devastating House Fire.”
Donations may also be mailed to Larry Vernon at 255 Vernon Drive, Stuart, VA 24171, to be delivered to the family. Those wishing to schedule a pickup may call him at (276) 692-7770.
