HOLLIDAYSBURG — Blair County commissioners will again provide $20,000 from a housing trust fund to support a Christian-based outreach organization that brings teenagers into Blair County to take on property maintenance work.

Local contractors Scott Durbin and Harry Houck told commissioners Thursday that they’re again working with local churches to identify those in need of help that the visiting youth can provide.

For several years, the contractors have worked with TEAMeffort Youth Group Mission Trips, a Florida-based organization that identifies teenagers and supervising adults willing to travel to Blair County, where they are provided with housing and put to work.

The visiting youth, who pay to participate in the program, also have the chance to engage in faith-based activities and visit local attractions.

In prior years, the TEAMeffort Youth program in Blair County stretched over eight weeks and generated a list of accomplishments at 30 to 35 addresses in the Altoona area. But this year, the program will stretch over nine weeks and their projects, as in prior years, are likely to include painting, roofing repairs, deck repairs, step repairs, drywalling, flooring and handrail installation.

Commissioners, previously and again this year, are relying on the county’s housing trust fund to financially support the program.

“Apparently you believe in what we do,” Houck said.

Commissioners Dave Kessling, Amy Webster and Laura Burke voted unanimously in favor of the allocation that goes toward program costs, including construction materials and supplies.

“We appreciate what you do for the community,” Webster said. “And I know some of the folks who need help.”

Years ago, the state provided the county with the option of creating a housing trust fund to use toward housing-related improvements and programs that support such improvements. The fund takes in revenue from fees added to deed transfers and mortgages that are recorded at the courthouse.

In support of TEAMeffort’s latest request for the county’s financial support, pastors Tim McGarvey of Altoona Alliance Church, John Gray of Hope Community Church and Troy Ferguson of Trans4mation Church of Altoona offered their assurance to commissioners that the program is very much appreciated.

Altoona City Council member Dave Ellis told commissioners the city is also supportive and worked last year with Burgmeier’s to arrange for waste disposal associated with program projects.

Mirror Staff Writer Kay Stephens is at 814-946-7456.