STORIES ABOUT US

An Organization Engages Volunteers Differently

Nonprofit Quarterly, January 7, 2019

Nonprofit Construction Group Evolves Its Mission to Help Those Who Are Helping Others

Chicago Tribune, December 14, 2018

Chicago Tribune, October 11, 2014

WPSD News Feature on Operation Nehemiah's Work in Brookport

Hickory Creek Church, Frankfort, IL
Summer/Fall 2015
Operation Nehemiah provided labor and equipment for demolition of existing church space in preparation for a renovation, rebuilding and a sanctuary expansion.
The Bridge Teen Center, Orland Park, IL
Fall 2015
Operation Nehemiah assisted this ministry by renovating their existing space and building out their newly acquired additional space which offers after school programs to area teens.
Brookport, IL
May and November 2014 | May 2015
Operation Nehemiah worked with World Renew and the Massac and Pope County Recovery Committee to help the victims of the November 2013 devastating tornados that hit Southern Illinois.
Hands of Hope, Joliet, IL
2014
Operation Nehemiah partnered with Hands of Hope in Joliet, making improvements to an industrial warehouse and transforming it into the Hope Center, a low cost/no cost food outlet for people in need. The work included: construction of offices, a conference room, prayer rooms and a reception area inside an existing 20,000 SF industrial space. Operation Nehemiah provided carpentry, drywall, electrical, heating, cooling, and acoustical ceilings.
Henryville, IN.
October 2012 and February 2013
Operation Nehemiah partnered with the local agencies’ rebuilding efforts that have been ongoing since the devastating tornadoes of March 2012. Two of the most impactful moments of our serving happened in Henryville.

The first was when we drove up to the work site to see three makeshift crosses sitting amidst the devastation. We came to learn these three crosses were in memory of the homeowner Amanda’s grandparents and son, who were killed in the tornado. Getting to know Amanda and her daughter and help them as they began to rebuild their lives left a mark on our hearts, and those of us who served with her are forever grateful.

On our second trip to Henryville, we had a roof project to complete. With a team full of aging backs and knees, we had no idea how we were going to get all the shingle bundles to the roof. We prayed to God for an answer (or some heavy equipment). The next morning just after we started work, Farmer Vern drove down the road with his tractor and didn’t hesitate a moment when one of our team members flagged him down and asked if he could help us. God’s answer to prayer was so amazing and so tangible! What an awesome God we serve!
Lamb’s Fold Women and Children’s Shelter, Joliet, IL
Throughout 2011 and 2012, O.N. was involved in a number of rebuilding projects including: construction of new 2 story deck, installation of new security door, construction of portable room partitions, renovation of bathrooms, and moving residents to the new facility.
Guardian Angel Home, Joliet, IL
We provided materials and labor for the sealcoating of parking lot and exterior painting.
Christ’s Mission Church, Manhattan, IL
Installation of new windows.
Shepherd’s House, Manhattan
Renovation of lower level space into a 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment for transitional housing.
Single Family Home Renovation
Although we no longer are able to take on single family home renovations for individuals, Operation Nehemiah has previously been involved in renovations and improvements of single family homes in the Chicago Southland (including homes in Frankfort, New Lenox, Manhattan, Worth and Chicago Heights). We have also partnered with disaster response organizations with the rebuilding of homes struck by natural disaster in Southern Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Alabama and Tennessee. O.N. provided carpentry, concrete, roofing, siding, flooring, drywall, electrical, plumbing, windows, trim, doors, etc.

2010-2015 PROJECTS

2016-20 PROJECTS

Operation Nehemiah volunteers have been hard at work since our first official project in 2010. We are grateful to God for the people he has put into the process…volunteers, donors and recipients. Take a look at what we’ve been up to, by the grace of God and to God be the glory!

PLEASE NOTE: PROJECTS ARE DONE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER MINISTRIES, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AND CHURCHES, NOT WITH INDIVIDUALS.

volunteering

From experienced tradespeople to the weekend handy(wo)man to youth who want to lend a hand, a desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus is the common bond uniting our volunteers.

2021 UPCOMING PROJECTS

recent proJECTS

2020 projects were reduced due to the pandemic but included multiple projects at Camp Manitoqua, a transitional housing renovation with Filling the Gap in Harvey and framing a Habitat for Humanity house in Joliet.

A faith-based ministry of building and rebuilding

mission & vision

By partnering with non-profits and churches we can maximize our impact as we rebuild broken walls and broken lives.

For the newest project location, email Rob, rlach @ operationnehemiahil.org or sign up on our site. Upcoming 2021 projects are listed below.
Dolton Food Pantry Partnering with American Association of Single Parents to remodel a large storefront into a food pantry.
Camp Manitoqua Remodeling two homes on the property.
The Bridge Teen Center Creating outdoor space so they can social distance and continue programming.