We all need a little help sometimes.
Things can pile up. Then they pile more. Toppling ensues, sometimes literally. Once you’re behind, it is hard to catch up.
Redfield resident, Heidi Appel understands what it’s like to be busy. The mom of 5 said that everyone gets overwhelmed at times.
“Women helping women used to be automatic.” Appel said. But everyone is busy. Appel was inspired by a video she saw on social media.
Hot Mess Express was founded by Jen Hamilton in North Carolina. Hamilton saw an overwhelmed mother struggling, and got a few friends together. They helped the mother clean and get organized. This idea was turned into a non-profit which has 501(c)(3) status in N.C.
Appel wanted to emulate this, and opted to organize “Hot Mess Express Spink County.” She collected a team of volunteers willing to help.
Volunteer Shelley Young said “When I first saw this on another state, I loved it! Then Heidi put it out there for us to do this in our community, and I was all for it.”
Nominations were accepted through Dec.
The date that the Hot Mess Express will arrive at her home is TBD.

The first “mission” - is Melissa Becker’s home. Heidi Appel said “Her nominations came from coworkers: ‘Many hours at the school like many others but also the extra hours visiting homes for Birth to three. A busy husband, three boys and little Mia, she has her hands full. Melissa always comes into school with a smile and ready to greet her 3 & 4 year olds. Though some are quite a handful, she always shows care and love for her students. A little extra help would be a huge blessing for her!’”
Appel thought that December would be the best time for nominations for this event. Everyone’s extra busy. Women were busy “trying to make things perfect” for their families for the holidays.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and/or to get a bit behind in housework.
Volunteer Trista Frost said “Hot Mess Express was formed because we all need a little help sometimes.”
The ideas behind “Hot Mess Express” are that everyone gets behind at times, and that others can help you get back on track. You can get more done as a team than by yourself.
A team of helpers will come to a person’s home to help with things like cleaning, companionship, organization, and to quote the non-profit’s site, “To give Mom a break.”
Volunteer Stacey Banister said “Most of us feel so much better when we are in our own homes, not filled with clutter and grime. We are happier people.”
“The focus is on women helping women.” Appel said. Most members of the group are parents, but participants don’t need to be. Men are also welcome to help.
Being in the Midwest factors in. Appel said “We say ‘we will get through this, it will pass.’” - instead of asking for help when we need it.
There is also an embarrassment factor. It’s expected that one keep up their home, as well as stay on top of everything else. That is why it can be extra hard to admit you need help catching up with things.
Banister said “Most of us are living in some kind of chaos, whether it be tending to our family or another generation. Add in work and our homes and activities. Oh, and don’t forget keeping up with society’s expectations.”
There weren’t as many nominations as Appel had hoped there would be.
There has been, however, a lot of enthusiasm from group volunteers.
Frost said “I am so glad to be able to help and be a member of this awesome group where we offer our hands and hearts to help anyone in need!”
Banister said “God designed us to help one another, and this is a perfect way to do just that.”
Young said “It is such a blessing to be able to love on each other! Sometimes life gets hard, especially as moms and working and sports and just life! To be able to step in and help - clean, organize, make extra meals to put in the freezers for easy dinners - just spoke to my heart! I can’t wait to love on some special deserving women in our community to remind them they are valued and loved!”
Hopefully, this event can grow into a regular thing.