Following the recent flooding, Country Haven Support Services has been helping seniors and single-parent families in Stonewall, Stony Mountain, Petersfield and other affected communities clean flooded basements and begin the recovery process.
Based in Inwood, Cameron and Christina Kleinsasser, along with their three sons, Coltan, 15, Marcus, 13, and Dawson, 9, have spent the past two weeks assisting flood-affected households while continuing to serve their regular clients. The volunteer-run organization has helped about five families remove water-damaged belongings and begin cleaning their homes to prevent further damage.
“While the last two weeks were different and a bit more demanding for us than normal, we will always strive to overcome whatever challenges and needs come our way,” said Cameron Kleinsasser.
As he worked alongside homeowners, Kleinsasser said one concern surfaced repeatedly: many residents discovered they were not fully covered by their insurance policies.
One Stony Mountain senior who recently called for help had lost his wife, undergone heart surgery and saw half of his home damaged by flooding. He also did not have overland flood insurance.
“That was a hard call,” said Kleinsasser.
According to Kleinsasser, stories like that are the reason Country Haven was created.
“We might not be able to impact or change for the better the whole world, but my family and I will do our best to impact as many people’s lives as we can,” he said.
Country Haven provides its services free of charge, relying on volunteers to assist seniors and single-parent families with home and property maintenance.
Kleinsasser said the gratitude shown by homeowners has been overwhelming.
“They have shown us utter gratitude and appreciation,” he said.
Rather than focusing solely on supporting Country Haven, Kleinsasser hopes more communities will create similar volunteer initiatives of their own.
“Neighbours helping neighbours, putting their faith, political and personal differences aside and just care more for each other,” he said.
He also praised the many organizations and volunteers that stepped forward following the flooding.
Among them was Concord Colony, whose volunteers helped clean flooded basements and prepare meals for affected residents.
“They all deserve a warm hug and a round of applause!” said Kleinsasser.
Country Haven was founded three years ago after the Kleinsasser family noticed an elderly woman struggling to maintain her home and farm.
Kleinsasser said he introduced himself and offered to help.
“That year, every few weeks my three boys and I went to her farm and helped her with all kinds of maintenance and repairs to her property,” he said.
What began as helping one neighbour soon grew into an ongoing volunteer outreach serving seniors and single-parent families across the region.
Although Country Haven is primarily operated by the Kleinsasser family, additional volunteers assist with larger projects.
“We try to keep our group smaller with people we trust,” said Kleinsasser.
The volunteer team usually includes four to six additional volunteers. Their close friend, Kurt Porteous, also responds to calls whenever he is available.
Kleinsasser owns a small portable welding and handyman business, which provides the flexibility and income needed to support Country Haven’s volunteer outreach. In a typical week, he spends a couple of days with paying clients and the remaining three responding to outreach calls.
While the hours vary depending on the weather, the family typically receives one or two calls a day, amounting to about five to seven hours of volunteer work. Country Haven operates primarily from April through December.
The organization provides a variety of services, including basic home maintenance, plumbing, carpentry, lawn and yard work, farm equipment maintenance, farm assistance and equipment operation. Volunteers also offer friendly visits, encouragement and prayer for those who request it.
Anyone requiring assistance can contact Country Haven’s outreach line at (204) 470-7934 for help or more information.
