Lending hands and hearts to keep seniors at home safely

Another successful home repair project is underway at Habitat DeKalb for deserving senior, Ms. Debbie of DeKalb County. The construction team, aided by dedicated volunteers, have accomplished many of the repairs included in the project with more planned for the near future. Debbie’s home repair project was made possible through a grant provided by Wells Fargo.

Like many seniors, Debbie manages her modest mortgage on a limited income. Unfortunately, home maintenance has become unmanageable for her both financially and physically.

Debbie retired early from Emory due to health issues. She battles with COPD and lupus. Debbie is also a proud grandmother. We soon discovered that Debbie loves to brag on her grandson! He is serving in the armed forces and is stationed in Hawaii.

Debbie’s older brother used to do work around the house for her. Sadly, her brother is currently undergoing treatment for cancer and is unable to help.

Debbie reached out to us for help and we are so glad that she did. She qualified for a senior home service repair project.

To qualify for our program meant that she was over 65 and/or was disabled, her home was at least 15 years old, she had owned her home for over a year, met our income requirements, and was a US citizen.

Additionally, Debbie is able to pay the small loan required by the affiliate. Typically, loan payments cover 10% of the work completed and are paid off within a year.

Some examples of the work to be completed include major plumbing repairs in the kitchen, bathrooms and laundry room, new subfloor in the kitchen, minor kitchen renovation, front porch repair, old appliances hauled away, and floor repair/replacement in the den.

The team also cleared the yard of trash and removed a wasp’s nest so that Debbie can safely enjoy the outdoors. Our hope is that Debbie can live safely and securely – for many years to come – in her own home.