Mid Illinois Mechanical Inc., a Linc Service Contractor since 2016, helped the Salvation Army of McLean County in Bloomington, Ill., reopen the Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter after a ruptured water heater caused water to back up into gas lines, keeping residents from using hot water and gas appliances, according to a report by the Pantagraph.
According to the Salvation Army, it would cost about $19,000 to replace the water heater and gas lines. After reports of the emergency, the community donated about $5,000 toward the repairs, while Mid Illinois Mechanical donated $5,000 in labor to replace the water heater and repair the lines. Last week, Mid Illinois got one of two water heaters installed and operating, while a second is expected to be installed within the next couple of weeks, according to the Pantagraph.
"It was an honor to be able to help out the Salvation Army after their unfortunate circumstance regarding their water heater issues," said Joel Dodson, General Manager of Mid Illinois Mechanical, Inc.. "At Mid Illinois Mechanical, we are always looking for ways to help out the community and this was an opportunity where we could help by giving back. In my mind, this was just a small act of kindness compared the great things the Salvation Army does and it was an easy decision to help contribute to a great cause."
The Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter is currently at capacity with 58 residents, and has a waiting list.
"I was extremely impressed with the level of care and professionalism that Mid Illinois Mechanical technicians took as they worked to fix the problem," Salvation Army Social Services Director Gaby Bontea told the Pantagraph. "I could tell that this was not just a mechanical problem to them but a real problem that affected our homeless residents."
The Salvation Army is still seeking about $9,000 to help with the project. For more information on how to help, or to read the entire Pantagraph article, click here.
