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7/10/2024
To say we have been busy recently would be an understatement!
We just finished a Home Repair Project in Pownal, that was honestly bigger than most projects we do. Originally we were there to repair a front door that had been damaged in a storm, as well as a sagging dining room ceiling. However there were a few safety issues that we, knowing there were small children living there, just couldn’t leave.
These homeowners did everything they could to keep their home safe for their children, but a home fix does not exactly match what our skilled volunteers are capable of. And of course, the rising costs of nearly everything played a part as well.
There were two big safety concerns at this house that we completely took care of. The first was the external entrance to the basement. There was a large drop from the porch down a flight of cement stairs to the door. We poured concrete for a level entrance, and installed a metal cellar door, making it perfectly accessible, and safe to all around.
Next was upstairs in the home, where they have a really cool landing that wraps around their stairs. The railing however wobbled a lot, and was not very safe. Again, the home was safe for the children now, but there was no way of telling whether it would remain safe for a few weeks, or a few years.
Our volunteers were able to tighten that up and make it just as safe as the day it was installed, without having to start from scratch. Now, the homeowners and their children are perfectly safe in their home.
Our “primary” program of building new construction homes is what Habitat is known for, and rightfully so as we are one of very few organizations in the country, and the only one locally, that is actively adding to the inventory of affordable housing. However this Home Repair Program is also important, if not just as, because we help people stay in their homes for longer, and save them thousands of dollars on repairs, keeping their homes as affordable as possible.
Thank you to our volunteers, as these projects would be impossible without them!
If you are interested in volunteering on a Home Repair Project, please email [email protected]
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