Walter Crouch is an ordained minister, master electrician, former college professor, husband, father, grandfather, and the President and CEO of the Appalachia Service Project. Walter is also a longtime client and great friend to us at Merchant McIntyre Associates.
Recently, Walter earned a new distinction when the Federation of Appalachian Housing Enterprises (Fahe) inducted him into its Hall of Fame.
“Walter’s legacy is one of positive change. His commitment to bringing together volunteers and partners to address the basic need of shelter in Central Appalachia through home repair and replacement has had a profound impact on the trajectory of so many lives,” said Sara Morgan, Fahe President.
During Crouch’s 13+ years of remarkable leadership, ASP’s core Home Repair program flourished and Walter spearheaded ASP’s New Build program, resulting in hundreds of families receiving keys to new, mortgage-free homes.
Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is a Christian ministry, open to all people, that inspires hope and service through volunteer home repair and new construction in Central Appalachia. To accomplish this work, ASP annually mobilizes more than 10,000 volunteers who are often referred to as “angels in blue jeans.”
Since 1969, these volunteers have been making homes warmer, safer, and drier for families in need and providing life-transforming experiences for everyone involved. In recent years ASP has expanded its outreach to feature building new homes for low-income families whose homes were destroyed by fire or flooding and others whose homes are beyond repair.
These homes come as gifts of grace to the families at no cost to them.
Walter is planning to retire from his full-time service to ASP at the end of the year.