Sure there are still punch list items waiting for completion. But already, Freedom Barn is ready for use!

So whenever there's a tractor to repair or a weld to be made... Whenever a piece has to be fabricated for a project now or later,  even in the dead of winter, Freedom Barn is ready for action.

Check out the ductwork at right, 100% of which has been done by volunteers -- at a savings of over $7,000 so far! Already, with just 2/3 of the ductwork in place, we can maintain the Freedom Barn at 64 degrees regardless of the outside temperature. All that heating is via a geothermal furnace system that takes energy from dirt -- literally. (The collector loops are buried 10' under, just east of the barn itself.)

There's lots of storage up in the loft, which was specially constructed using I-beams normally reserved for use as floor joists. By using them in the ceilings of the office, rest rooms, and utility rooms, we've effectively added about 25% extra floorspace to the building... and it's nice and warm in the loft! :-)

Whenever there's a project to accomplish, there's a growing collection of tools to make it happen.

Next steps:

• Finish mudding and sanding the rest rooms and office
• Finish the last 30% of the ductwork
• Paint the office and rest rooms
• Activate the last of three furnaces
• Install partitions in the restroom toilets
• Furnish and launch the Freedom Barn office
• Clean and paint the shop floor with paint already donated

If you'd like to pitch in on any of these or other projects, just say the word. We'd love the help and it'll be an answer to our prayers!