Our Crowdfunding Groups
Who are we and where are we going?
We are a group of Duquesne students that will be traveling down to Mullens, West Virginia for a Spring Break Cross-Cultural Mission Experience. Duquesne University has a long-standing relationship with the Appalachian communities of West Virginia, and this will be the 30th year a student group volunteers in Appalachia.
Mullens is a small coal mining town in southern West Virginia. Despite a prosperous history of success with the coal industry, the community has dealt with job insecurity and difficult economic circumstances in recent times. We will be working with community leaders from the Mullens Opportunity Center (MOC) on projects aimed at the revitalization of this beautiful community that is filled with so many loving and gracious people.
What will we be doing?
Our goal is to help provide some resources that the community needs and to connect with the citizens of Mullens. One of the items we are raising money for is corrugated tin to be used on the roofing of log cabins. We will be helping build a log cabin as well. The long term plan is to use this cabin as a model for future cabins that can be sold, bringing more business into Mullens.
At the same time, we want to develop authentic relationships and get to know individuals from Mullens personally. We are incredibly grateful for our hosts for providing us with housing at the MOC. Their hospitality speaks to the generous heart and soul of the town of Mullens.
Some of our recent history
With the decline of coal, community leaders have expressed a need for alternative economic initiatives, and have begun to explore the agricultural industry. Three years ago, Duquesne students and supporters helped finance and build a high-tunnel greenhouse at the MOC and have since helped with planting and maintenance. The greenhouse is extremely successful, and has resulted in a fresh produce market for the community throughout the summer months.
Additionally, the community has recently begun initiatives to increase tourism. This includes the start of a railroad museum, rental cabins, and stream beatification. Mullens is on the rise and we are very pleased to be a part of it!
Please donate and spread the word to family and friends!
