Glenda’s Story: Finding Comfort at Home Again

A Home Filled with Memories

Glenda has called her mother’s house home for over five years. An only child, she retired early to care for her aging mother full-time. The home, purchased in the late 1960s, had been a cherished place filled with love and memories. By the time her mother was placed on a waitlist for critical home repairs, she had already spent years navigating the challenges of an aging home. But just days before Habitat for Humanity DeKalb could call with the good news that repairs could begin, Glenda’s mother passed away.

Adjusting to life without her mother has been a difficult journey. She now lives alone in the house, working through her grief while trying to make the space her own. The home needed urgent repairs, and despite the loss, Habitat DeKalb stepped in to help.

A Safer, Warmer Home

At 68, Glenda faces her own health challenges. With both knees replaced, navigating stairs has become increasingly difficult. Her washer and dryer are located in the basement, making laundry a risky task. “Having those handrails makes me feel much more secure,” she shared, relieved that simple additions are already making a difference.

Along with the handrails, Habitat DeKalb installed grab bars, replaced her failing water heater, and reinforced her sagging deck to make it safe to use again. She also receive a new water heater and HVAC to keep her home warm comfortable throughout the year.

A Fresh Start

Grieving her mother hasn’t been easy. Some days, she finds herself wanting to share moments with her before remembering that she’s gone. “Sometimes when I’m out, I find it hard coming back to this home,” she confessed. But she’s taking small steps toward healing. She’s ready to “live” again, making the home feel like hers while holding onto the love that built it.

What she looks forward to most is sitting on her deck, grilling a meal, and enjoying the sunlight on her skin.

Your support makes stories like Glenda’s possible. With every donation, you help older adults stay safe and comfortable in the homes they’ve cherished for decades. Give today and be a part of rebuilding lives—one home at a time. Donate now.