AMY Wellness Foundation and WAMY Community Action’s Housing Coalition recently joined forces for a home repair program for regional residents. It’s already paying off.
AMY Wellness Foundation joined forces with WAMY Community Action’s Housing Coalition for a second consecutive year to address critical home repairs for low-income families, elderly individuals and disabled residents in the AMY region.
Among the beneficiaries of this collaboration is Sarah, a 60-year-old resident of the AMY region. She relies on social security, is visually impaired and utilizes hearing aids.
While working alongside the coalition, she shared stories of her family’s upbringing in the very home she still resides in. When her parents died, they left the house to her and with the support of her sisters, she strives to maintain her independence.
Sarah’s sisters, along with their children and spouses, take turns staying with her, creating a close-knit but financially modest family.
The roof of their cherished family home began to leak and a portion of the living room ceiling started to collapse. They resorted to using tarps and replaced shingles whenever possible.
Concerns started to arise that Sarah might be forced to move if the house became uninhabitable. Sarah had spent 60 years in the home and adjusting to a new and unfamiliar environment would prove challenging for her.
Thanks to the AMYWF home repair grant, the coalition was able to replace the worn-out shingle roof with a sturdy metal one and repair the damaged ceiling. During the repairs, additional hazards were discovered such as the need for chimney cleaning to prevent potential fires and exposed hot wires in the attic.
Prompt action was taken, and a chimney sweep and an electrician were called in to address the safety risks.
As a result of the partnership, Sarah can now continue to reside safely in her beloved family home, providing her sisters with peace of mind. Donna, one of Sarah’s sisters, expressed their gratitude by saying, “To us, this roof is worth $50,000.”
Since receiving the grant funding in the autumn of 2022, the coalition has successfully assisted 50 households benefitting 91 senior citizens or disabled individuals. The work is made possible through the coalition’s collaboration with numerous local partners who volunteer materials, time and expertise.
To become a coalition member or to learn more about supporting AMYWF and its regional partners, visit amywellnessfoundation.org.