Smith County Commissioners on Tuesday approved the donation of a tiny home built by students from the Smith County Juvenile Services HOPE (Helping Others Pursue Excellence) Academy to the Calvary Commission. During the same meeting, the court designated September 20-26 as "National Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Week" and "PATH (People Attempting to Help) Week." Commissioners also received an update on the county's active burn ban.
The tiny home, which includes a bedroom, living room, bathroom, shower, and kitchen, was constructed by students in the HOPE Academy's vocational program between 2018 and August 2020. The HOPE Academy operates as a residential program for male juvenile offenders, emphasizing hands-on life skills, behavior management, and family relationships. Students gained practical experience in various construction trades, including roofing, framing, drafting, exterior, interior, and electrical work, during the home's construction.
Ross Worley, director of Smith County Juvenile Services, noted that the program sought to donate the fully functional home before beginning its next tiny home project. Worley confirmed that the Calvary Commission, a 501(c)(3) organization, accepted the donation. The Calvary Commission, founded by Dr. Joe and Charlotte Fauss, has operated near Lindale for nearly 50 years, engaging in prison, foreign, and domestic ministries, and running a Bible Institute. According to the commission’s website, it provides counseling, Bible distribution, and baptisms for inmates at the Smith County Jail. Worley expressed anticipation for seeing the students' work put to use, a sentiment echoed by Judge Neal Franklin, who stated his excitement for the Calvary Commission to utilize the home effectively.
In addition to the tiny home donation, the Commissioners Court formally recognized the contributions of two key community organizations by proclaiming Sept. 20-26 as special weeks. Jason Boyd, founder of the Smith County CERT, acknowledged the county's recognition, stating his team is honored. Boyd explained that CERT began with the goal of preparing and assisting the community, with volunteers trained in emergency preparedness, first aid, life safety, rescue, and disaster recovery to support emergency responders. He thanked the county for its support and the training opportunities, noting that not all counties in the state prioritize emergency preparedness to the same degree. Commissioner Christina Drewry, herself a CERT member, highlighted that the week would help recognize the team's valuable resources and training, encouraging residents to establish their own safety habits and promote a "neighbors helping neighbors" approach during emergencies.
The court also approved Sept. 20-26 as PATH Week, recognizing the work of People Attempting to Help. Austin Luce, Smith County Precinct 2 Commissioner GOP nominee and Board President of PATH, stated that the court's honor would increase community understanding of their work. PATH was founded by Gertrude Windsor, who envisioned a community of human flourishing. What began as individuals seeking food at her home evolved into a shared food pantry supported by multiple houses of worship. Today, PATH operates as a faith-based nonprofit social service agency, running the region's largest choice food pantry and offering shelter and bill assistance. Luce detailed PATH's services, which include providing fans in summer, utility and rent assistance to prevent homelessness, and prescription assistance for senior citizens who face difficult choices between medical needs and daily expenses. He added that the organization is supported by goodwill from multiple faiths. Commissioner Ralph Caraway Sr. remarked that PATH Week would encourage citizens to recognize the invaluable contributions PATH makes and consider volunteering or donating to support its mission of assisting neighbors.
Finally, Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue provided an update on the county's 90-day burn ban, confirming it remains in effect. Hogue reported 32 outdoor-burning calls and two citations since the ban was imposed. As of Monday, the average Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) stood at 717 out of 800, indicating severe drought conditions. Hogue stated he would wait to assess the predicted significant rainfall for the upcoming week before considering any other options regarding the ban. The Commissioners Court convenes weekly on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Courtroom of the courthouse annex at 200 E. Ferguson Street.
