The Front Porch Project
What is the Front Porch Project?
The Front Porch Project is an inaugural effort by the Barefoot Baby Foundation to enrich the lives of low-income families by constructing small, yet meaningful, outdoor porches. Each 8'x10' porch will be thoughtfully designed and built to provide a comfortable and inviting space for family gatherings, playtime, and quiet moments of relaxation.
**Since Hurricane Helene, there is an added effort to prioritize families affected with home loss/damage. We hope that the porches will help to renew families feelings of safety and positivity in nature, even after such devastation throughout the region.
Project Goals
- Enhance Family Bonding: Create a space that encourages families to spend quality time together.
- Promote Outdoor Living: Provide a safe and enjoyable outdoor area that fosters connection with nature.
- Support Low-Income Families: Offer this valuable addition to families in need, helping to improve their living environment.
How It Works
1. Application and Selection
Families interested in receiving a porch can apply using our application, available starting Sept 12, 2024. Families must have children under age 12 living in the home, families must own the home, and the home must be located in McDowell County.
*Depending on the number of applicants, our committee will take into account other factors like number of children in the home, structural integrity of home, etc. when choosing recipients.
2. Design and Construction
Once selected, our team works closely with each family to design a porch that fits their space and needs. Our volunteers and partners then handle the construction, ensuring a high-quality, durable addition to their home.
3. Installation and Celebration
Upon completion, the porch is installed and ready for use. We cannot wait to celebrate with the families, as completion marks the beginning of many new memories.
Our Partners
The success of the Front Porch Project is made possible through the generous support of our partners:
Spencer's Hardware
Nancy Spencer of Spencer's Hardware has a heart for community. We are honored to have her not only as a business interested in donating materials, but more importantly, Nancy is on the decision committee. Nancy will use her love and knowledge of McDowell to help our team choose porches based on where they will make the most impact.
Hunter Construction
Chad Hunter of Hunter Construction is a family man who puts his heart into every project he completes. His team will not only be building our porches, but Chad will also help choose recipients by assisting our team with determining the structural integrity of the homes the porches will be attached to. 
Lowe's of Marion, NC
Lowe's of Marion has shown their dedication to our community by enthusiastically offering to donate lumber needed for the project. Their support shows that big-box stores still care, and their donation is integral to reaching our goal of building ten porches.
Community Volunteers
We are currently looking for volunteers to help us in all facets of the project. We will need help spreading the word beforehand, and we will need lots of hands-on help during the build (Jan-May). If you are interested in helping construct/paint/stain porches, helping serve other volunteers with water/food, or if you would like to participate in celebrating with the families, please contact our team outreach@barefootbabyfoundation.com
Impact on the Community
Building Stronger Families
By providing families with a dedicated outdoor space, we aim to foster stronger family bonds and improve their quality of life. These porches will serve as a foundation for countless memories, from shared meals to relaxing evenings.
Strengthening Community Ties
Our project also strengthens community ties by engaging local businesses and volunteers, creating a collaborative effort that benefits everyone involved.
Inspiring Future Projects
The Front Porch Project sets the stage for future initiatives, demonstrating the positive impact of community support and encouraging more projects that enhance family life.
Get Involved
Support the Front Porch Project
- Donate: Your contributions help us build more porches for families in need.
- Volunteer: Join our team and help with construction or outreach efforts.
- Partner With Us: If you're a business or organization interested in supporting this project, we’d love to hear from you.
TO Volunteer, Partner, or to contact us about this project for any reason, please send an email to outreach@barefootbabyfoundation.org