About Appalachia

 The Appalachia Trip is about many things -
community, compassion, friendship, simplicity, faith, hope, empathy, volunteerism. 

Since 1980, a group of about 40 - 60 people has traveled from Guilford, CT to Booneville, KY to spend 10 days engaging in construction-type work on homes desperately in need of repair, renovation or addition.  After more than 15 years of converting the local truck garage to home, participants now stay in the community center of one of the town's churches. The group is almost entirely self-sufficient, providing for its own food, tools, supplies. Construction materials and perishable food items needed are purchased from local suppliers in the Booneville area. Transportation to and from Booneville is made possible by the use of vehicles lent to the group for the duration of the trip. Financial support for the trip comes from participant commitment monies, fundraisers and the generous support of our fellow parishioners and communities.

Owsley County - of which Booneville is the county seat - is an area burdened by rural poverty. Living conditions here are predominately substandard; many houses lack indoor plumbing and electricity, and large families of five or more often live together in a home or trailer meant for two or three people. Employment opportunities are limited, and many survive by means of subsistence farming and taking on whatever odd jobs they can find.

One of the many unique aspects of the Appalachia trip is that group members work with - not for - the people of Booneville. Each project undertaken - there are typically 10 to 14 each trip - is based on an identified need, and residents often assist in the construction of their new room or the renovation of their floor or bathroom. 

It is from those residents - and often their children - that group members are reminded each year that poverty is only one minute facet of life.  The people of Appalachia maintain a sense of family, community, hope and faith that shines so much brighter than their lack of economic goods.  Group members often return home feeling that they have received more than they have given, knowing fully that it is the interactions between people - the friendships born and strengthened - that truly characterize the value of the Appalachia trip.