ARPA Funds save Caulfield Community Building

The Caulfield Community Association Board announced last week that renovations to the long-standing Caulfield Community Building are complete.

ARPA funds allocated by the Howell County Commission funded the repairs. 

"To quote from the US Treasury, the purpose of ARPA funds are to support the health of communities and help recover from economic impacts," commented the Howell County Commission. "The commission is very pleased to have been able to assist the Caulfield Community center in some much needed updates to their facility. The building has served as the heart of the Caulfield Community for years, and with the improvements will be able to continue for years to come. With the release of ARPA funds from the US Treasury, Howell County was able to assist applicants that fit within the guidelines of the program per treasury directive." 

"The founders of the association provided a place where we can gather and fellowship. When you walk into this building you know you are part of a community where everyone is family – blood-related or not," said Susie Williams, Vice President of the Caulfield Community Association. "This building is not just four walls. It represents the love we have for one another. It's our responsibility now to keep this culture alive."

Funding and Improvements

The Caulfield Community Association received more than $120,000 from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) from the Howell County Commission. Feller Construction won the bid in August, began construction in September, and finished in December. Improvements include foundation support and rebuild, insulation, new siding, a new front porch, a handicap-accessible ramp, flooring, a renovated kitchen, and handicap-accessible bathrooms among others.

"It's not every day, year, or even decade that this type of funding would be available to our small community," said Williams. "Without these repairs, this building would not be standing much longer."

Prior to construction, local beekeeper, Lucas Hensley, removed an 8-foot bee hive from the wall of the building setting the stage for the first phase of construction.

The Caulfield Community Building Availability

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the board saw the need grow even more for a community-centered shelter. Now that the Caulfield community is more stable, it can be used as a temporary space for emergencies and natural disasters. The Caulfield Community Building is available to be rented for events and gatherings. Board members encourage the community to join their Facebook group for rates, how to rent the space, and other updates, https://www.facebook.com/groups/CaulfieldCommunityBuilding.