Mission Continues connects veterans with under-resourced communities during their MLK Service day held Feb. 26 in the city of Compton.
The event was held at Crossroad United Methodist Church Parking Lot, with more than 45 volunteers participating, including employees from the commercial construction company, Swinerton.
“The tool library is very similar to a book library, except you borrow tools,” said Adrianne Ferree, CEO of The Makers Hub, a nonprofit that is building The Compton Tool Library, who is eager to put tools into the hands of the residents and build a place where people make it. “We’re fortunate to have been selected by Mission Continues as their service project. Through the efforts of organizations like Mission Continues, veterans, and other volunteers, we’re building a place where people can be empowered, master skills, and inspire their community.”
Mission Continues empowers veterans to continue their service and empowers communities with veteran talent, skills and preparedness to generate visible impact. By connecting veterans with community projects like The Compton Tool Library, the organization is helping residents renovate homes and gardens, make home repairs or build a business.
Some of the building projects for the day consist of 5-shelving units, a couple of workbenches, a table saw bench and a chop saw bench for the Tool Library and its workshop. They are also making four desks for the church.
There are over 200 tool libraries nationwide and none in Los Angeles. Centrally located and in the LA Basin, The Compton Tool Library will have construction, landscaping, and crafting tools for residents and neighboring communities. Ferree is scouting locations for the Compton Tool Library and, in the meantime, will be using the tools for community projects on the weekends.
“These types of tools can often be expensive, and you might only use them once,” said Ferree. “Giving the residents access to borrowing tools opens up a whole new world for them. It empowers individuals to build new businesses, learn trade jobs, make DIY home/garden improvements, and collaborate on community projects. One by one, homes are renovated, neighborhoods revitalized, businesses are created, and the community thrives.”
To drop off tool donations, stop by Crossroad United Methodist Church Parking Lot located at 2354 Wilmington Ave., Compton, CA 90222. To learn more about Mission Continues, visit missioncontinues.org, and to support The Makers Hub’s The Compton Library, visit themakershub.org. To contact Ferree, call 626-484-2496 or email Adrianne.tmh@gmail.com.
