Alabama Rural Ministry Launches 19th Annual Fundraiser
The week-long event raises money to fund essential home repairs for residents in need across the region.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Lisa Pierce has begun the 19th annual No More Shacks event in Auburn to raise funds for Alabama Rural Ministry home repairs. Volunteers are living in a makeshift shack for one week to simulate substandard housing conditions and drive recruitment.
Why it matters
The event provides critical funding and visibility for home repair efforts that are completed at no cost to the homeowners. It also serves as a necessary recruitment drive for volunteers who work alongside partner churches and businesses.
The organization has set a $200,000 fundraising goal to facilitate the repair of 25 to 40 homes this year. The shack remains open for public engagement at 131 S. Gay St. daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The players
Lisa Pierce
She is the founder of the Alabama Rural Ministry and has personally participated in the shack fundraiser for 18 years.
Alabama Rural Ministry
This organization partners with businesses and churches to repair homes for families at no cost to the homeowners.
Auburn Wesley Foundation
This campus ministry organization hosts the makeshift shack on its property at 131 S. Gay St.
Auburn University Building Science students
These students volunteer their technical expertise to assist in the physical repair of homes for program beneficiaries.
The details
The Alabama Rural Ministry coordinates with groups including Auburn University Building Science students to repair homes at no expense to residents. The shack is currently situated in front of the Auburn Wesley Foundation to highlight the realities of living in substandard housing.
Timeline
The 19th annual No More Shacks event officially began on October 22, 2026.
Lisa Pierce participated in her first year in the shack in 2008.
In 2018, Pierce remained in the shack during the impact of Hurricane Michael.
Market Landscape
The No More Shacks initiative mirrors the operational persistence seen during the 2018 Hurricane Michael response, maintaining community presence through hardship. This event secures the organization’s role as a primary provider of no-cost housing repairs within the competitive regional non-profit sector.
Local residents can visit the shack at 131 S. Gay St. to learn more about volunteering or contributing to the $200,000 goal. Those interested in supporting the mission can donate directly through the organization to help fund home repairs for families in Lee County.
The takeaway
This annual event highlights the ongoing need for home stability by physically demonstrating the challenges of substandard housing. Readers are encouraged to consider how local volunteer efforts contribute to the essential maintenance of homes within their own communities.
Further reading
For more information on local outreach, visit the Philanthropy section.
More information
To donate or learn more about the initiative, visit the Alabama Rural Ministry donation portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Auburn Villager.
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Should local organizations prioritize funding for low-income residents' critical home repairs in your community?
