This year, the Vision House community mourned the passing of one of its most impactful volunteers, Bob Sime. Bob served as the volunteer General Contractor for what was then known as Jacob's Well, now known as Vision House Shoreline. He left a legacy not just in the walls and beams of the building, but in the stability and hope that building provides to families in need.

Bob first connected with Vision House after we put out a call for volunteers to local churches. Susan Camerer, Vision House co founder, remembers meeting Bob: “He didn’t talk about his faith, but he was a person of action. You could see it in everything he did. He had this incredible heart for single moms and kids, probably because he understood what it meant to grow up in a family that struggled. He was funny, and fun to be with. He just made people want to work with him, and he was so dedicated."

Vision House began purchasing land for Vision House Shoreline in 2007, but when the housing crisis hit in 2008, financing options dried up. By late 2009, the organization faced a critical crossroads. Susan shared with her staff a bold new vision: they would get out of the way and let God lead. "We’d raise a little money, build a little, and keep moving forward as He provided," she said at the time.

And that’s exactly what happened. Thousands of volunteers came together over the next four years, tackling projects one phase at a time—from laying the foundation to installing windows and stairs.

Throughout it all, Bob Sime was there. Not only did he supervise contractors and keep the project on track, but he also lifted spirits and encouraged everyone who stepped onto the site. Kristi Fischbeck, who served as Volunteer Coordinator during the build, remembers Bob’s unshakable positivity. "He was always smiling," she said. "His positivity was contagious. Even when things got tough or the weather was bad, Bob just had this way of making you feel glad you showed up."

Vision House Shoreline stands today, housing 22 families going through our family program. As families find safety and stability, they walk through doors Bob helped hang and sleep under roofs he made sure stood strong. His legacy endures in every life changed within those walls. Vision House gives thanks for the life and service of Bob Sime - a builder of homes, a builder of hope, and a man who made a lasting difference.

If you would like to put your faith into action, you can learn more about the volunteer opportunities with Vision House here.