NAILS Mission Project

“NAILS” is not an acronym.  It is the name of a Mission Program that utilizes donations of supplies and funds, as well as volunteer labor to repair and improve local homes so that homeowners can live comfortably and safely in their home for as long as possible.  The program specifically emphasizes assisting those with mobility impairments and health and safety concerns, as well as those in financial or dire need.

NAILS utilizes local contractors and/or volunteers to complete the home repairs. Our volunteer force comes from local organizations and visiting work groups from across the nation. These volunteers are supplemented with skilled contractors for jobs too hazardous for volunteer labor or when mandated by local building codes.  Due to the varied expertise of volunteers and the dangers of some jobs, NAILS does not undertake roof repairs/replacements, window replacements, or extensive plumbing or electrical repairs.  Homes must be owner-occupied.  Mobile homes and rental units do not qualify for the program.

The partnership between volunteers and professionals in our community makes for great home repairs for homeowners who do not have the resources to undertake the repairs that are required for them to live comfortably and safely.

Funding for NAILS

Contributions from the religious community, non-profit organizations, businesses and concerned citizens primarily fund NAILS projects. Appropriate grants are regularly sought and NAILS is supported by the County United Way, the Rotary Club of Cumberland, and participation fees from the volunteer work groups.

Community donations are the most significant funding stream for the program.  Donations to the NAILS program may be made in the form of materials for projects or by direct financial contribution.  Financial donations to NAILS are necessary, appreciated and should be provided by check made payable to “NAILS Mission Project” and mailed to: NAILS Missions, c/o Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services, 635 East First Street, Cumberland, MD 21502.

NAILS is a proud member of the County United Way, a recipient of funds to support NAILS Mission projects, and an advocate for the partner agencies of the County United Way.

The Impact of NAILS

NAILS fills an important gap in the spectrum of local housing needs by enabling needy homeowners to keep their homes, thus alleviating the need for other types of housing. A safe and well-maintained home increases the homeowner’s security and personal pride.

NAILS provides a way for religious organizations, non-profit groups, and government agencies to work together for the greatest good in the community.

NAILS Projects

Projects that NAILS focuses on each year center most importantly on those that create a safer living environment, enhance the appearance of a distressed home, or increase mobility within a home. Some projects such as roofing, windows, major plumbing and extensive electrical work are not possible.

However, ramps, weatherization, painting, cabinetry, floor repairs, and many others are perfect for the expertise of volunteers. Projects ranging from painting a front porch to repairing stairs are excellent choices for NAILS volunteers to undertake!

Volunteer Labor

NAILS volunteers come from the local community as well as from across the nation. A Volunteer Organization Application Package can be downloaded from this site. Information and details about participating in a NAILS Mission project are available by calling 301-724-6606 ext. 109. Completed Volunteer Organization applications are to be returned in hard copy or scanned/emailed.

884 NAILS Organizational Application

885 Participant Liability Release

886 NAILS Reference List

887 NAILS Area Accommodation List

Previous Work Groups

Catholic Heart Work Camp

Frenchtown Presbyterian

Gaithersburg Presbyterian Church

Hope Presbyterian Church

Hopewell Presbyterian Church

New Hope Presbyterian

Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg

Roman Catholic High School

Union Presbyterian Church

Comments:

Just wanted to say- I led the Mission Possible Team for over 35 years.  We have been from Maine to Mobile, western Pa & W.Va & loads of places in between. You folks ran one of the most efficient operations I have ever come across. Material was on site as promised or was there the next day. Our team enjoyed the week & we hope we were of service to your program.  Keep up the good work for the folks in Cumberland. They don’t know how lucky they are to have you two as a team. Enjoy the rest of the summer. GOD BLESS.  Paul & Margaret Pfisterer, Frenchtown Presbyterian Church N.J.

How to Apply for a NAILS Project

Give us a call at 301-724-6606 extension 109 to receive an application by mail or download a Project Application Package through the links below. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but the best window of time for submission is between January 1 and March 1. Applications do not have a set deadline, however, most projects begin in March of each year and conclude in November. Therefore, it is best to have applications completed and submitted no later than March 1.

Applications should be completed and returned in hard copy either in person or by mail, as soon as possible after January 1. Incomplete applications may be denied. Applications that do not include required documentation are considered “incomplete” and may be immediately denied.

883 Letter to NAILS Applicants

881 NAILS Application

882 Homeowners Release of Liability

Contact Us

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here to help!

Phone – 301-724-6606

Email – NAILS@CumberlandHousing.org

We welcome walk-in questions and requests for applications at our office located at 635 East First Street Street, Cumberland.

Similar Community Programs

Other programs similar to NAILS exist in the community but have different qualifications for application and project completion. Among them are the following:

      • Camp Hope – Call 301-689-0444
      • Human Resources Development Commission (HRDC) – Call 301-777-5970

Get Involved

Volunteer

The strength of any neighborhood relies on the selfless time and efforts of the residents. Volunteer your time to build stronger neighborhoods, improve the quality of life for families and revitalize your community.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer opportunities exist throughout the City of Cumberland. CNHS can partner you with your local neighborhood organization or assist you in getting involved with the city’s Let’s Beautify Cumberland effort.

NAILS Missions needs volunteers to assist with projects throughout the warm months of the year.

How Do I Get Involved?

Call us at 301-724-6606 option 3.

Make a Donation

Your gift will help support the work that we do to provide affordable housing to families in our area as we continue to stabilize and revitalize neighborhoods. Many lives are touched by your generosity and giving.

You may identify on your donation, whether you wish to have it directed to the NAILS Mission Program or to Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services’ Homebuyer Education Curriculum Development and Homeowner Assistance Program.

How to Donate

Donations may be submitted in the form of checks in person or by mail. Please no cash.

Donations may be mailed, made payable to “Cumberland Neighborhood Housing Services,” to CNHS, 635 East First Street, Cumberland, MD 21502. Indicate in the memo area as to which program your contribution is for.

Donations to CNHS and NAILS are tax deductible. We can provide proof of donation if requested.