Hope Under Repair: Sylvester’s Path to a Safer Home with Habitat
A Home Full of Memories, Facing New Challenges
Sylvester bought his first home in 1993, a milestone he was proud to share with his wife. For him, this house was more than a structure—it was a haven of memories, a place where he and his wife raised five children and built a life together. But over time, and especially since his COPD diagnosis, Sylvester began noticing troubling issues that were beyond his ability to address alone.
The gutters had rusted and damaged, leading to leaks that rotted the siding and allowed squirrels to nest inside his chimney. A separate leak from the upstairs tub damaged the bathroom ceiling, causing black mold to spread, and the handrails on his stairs had loosened, making daily movements around the house risky.
A Daughter’s Call for Help and Habitat’s Response
Seeing her parents struggle, their daughter reached out to Habitat for Humanity DeKalb on their behalf. After patiently waiting his turn, Sylvester’s repairs finally began. Volunteers arrived to stabilize the handrails, replace water-damaged sheetrock, and make the stairs safer. They plan to remove his carpet to reduce allergens and replace his siding and gutters to fully restore the home’s exterior.
For Sylvester and his wife, these repairs have been life-changing. No longer burdened by mounting repair costs, they feel a renewed sense of security and peace at home. Sylvester is deeply grateful for the kindness of Habitat DeKalb’s volunteers and supporters and says he hopes other families in need can receive the same support.
Join Us in Building a Lasting Impact
Habitat DeKalb’s work is truly transformative, and every effort—whether through time, skills, or donations—helps homeowners like Sylvester stay safe in the place they call home. None of this would be possible without the generous support of our partners, including The Home Depot Foundation, Wells Fargo, State Farm, Power Home Remodeling, and many others. And when people like you volunteer or give, you also help to build stronger, healthier communities, one home at a time. Join us in this vital mission, and together, let’s continue to make a lasting impact.
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