At a time when growth and prosperity in the Austin area run, many families are left behind – not able to keep up with rising costs and disappeared resources. But a non -profit organization on faith is based on closing this gap, a home and one heart after the other.
Cornerstone restoration, a non -profit service of 501 (3), which was born from a small group from Austin Ridge Bible Church, has quickly become a strong power of hope and healing in the region. Since the official foundation in 2020, the ministry has completed more than 1,400 service projects, invested over 1.5 million dollars in communities in very central texas and helped more than 1,300 families. Now Liberty Hill and Bertram feel the influence.
“The concept of 'Home' has been lost for some,” said Managing Director John Otwell. “But if you do things out of your heart, it's not just about repairing houses, but about restoring life, building up a community and glorifying the Lord.”
Otwell, who initially closed Cornerstone on a mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico, was closed by the volunteers and the community came together. “I had never seen the ministry happened that way,” he said. Today he supervises a database of more than 1,500 volunteers, whereby over 300 regularly serves a committed team of four full -time employees, a part -time employee and an intern.
The expansion of the Cornerstones into the Liberty Hill and Bertram region has already brought more than 150 people to life-changing support, with only $ 60,000 investing in local families and saving $ 15,000 since the beginning of $ 2025. With a growing partnership with the Grove Church in Liberty Hill, the ministry now actively serves five families in the region.
“Our service is not just about construction work – it's about community,” said Otwell. “No matter whether there are wheelchair ramps for veterans, weatherproof houses for older people or donated devices for single parents, we go with people up to 18 months through a care team that connects them with local self -help groups and resources.”
The projects vary in size – from small household tasks to large builds, for which partnerships with civil engineers and home construction companies are required. What connects them all is the mission – the hands and feet of Christ.
“Sometimes the overlooked part happened to the volunteers,” said Otwell. “They become part of the story. They not only repair things – they build in love for justice and go with people through some of their hardest times.”
The Cornerstone recovery is 100 percent financed by donors and fueled by the passion of everyday people who are willing to serve. Community members who are interested in participation can www.cornerstonerestoration.org, call or visit an e -mail to speak to Teresa Revels. Volunteers can also subscribe to a monthly newsletter that includes upcoming service data and possibilities for the connection.
“There are so many people in our own neighborhoods – widows, older parents, families with special needs – who only need someone who appears,” said Otwell. “And there are just as many people to help the gifts and talents. We are here to bring them together.”
For the Cornerstone recovery, the mission is clear – restore houses, rebuild and reveal the love of Christ – a family, a volunteer and a project at the same time.