Fairhope Scout Leads Playground Project: Baldwin County’s sole shelter for homeless women and children, the Baldwin Family Village, marks a significant achievement this weekreaching full capacity since its May opening. Luke Floyd, a Fairhope High School student and Baldwin County Scout, leads his Scout team in constructing a playground at the village, aiming to bring joy to the children during challenging times.
Scout Luke Floyd shares his motivation, stating, “They need something to play on. And when I came out here, it was just a grass field and then I have anything to play on. So, you know, I thought, this is going to be a good project for them.” The Baldwin Family Village, operational since May, typically hosts around a dozen kids at any given time. The addition of a playground is warmly welcomed.
Joni Hendee from the Dumas Wesley Community Center, the shelter’s administering organization, emphasizes the importance of the playground. She states, “Because it allows our kids to just be kids and to have fun outdoors, enjoy this beautiful weather, and a place where the moms can be on site and know that their kids are in a safe environment.”
Luke Floyd spearheads this initiative as his Eagle Scout project, a significant milestone in his scouting journey. Having raised $2,500 and chosen the project, he serves as the team manager for his Scout group over the weekend. His father and Scout leader, Paul Floyd, expresses pride in Luke’s growth as a leader.
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This project not only contributes to the shelter but also raises awareness about the hidden issue of homelessness in Baldwin County. Paul Floyd reflects on his newfound understanding, stating, “I had no idea personally about it. And once I learned about it, it kind of opened my eyes because its pretty, pretty hidden in Baldwin County.”
A previous visit to the Baldwin Family Village in June showed 15 residents, less than half of full capacity. With the shelter reaching its full capacity this week, it will house 31 people. Since its opening, the village has served a total of 53 individuals, with seven successfully transitioning to permanent housing.