A pair of completed Helping Hands projects will be celebrated and dedicated next Sunday afternoon, Oct. 5, in Jefferson.
Erich Kretzing, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Boone and Greene Counties, explains, “when meager retirement checks are stretched to cover basic living expenses, there’s little chance for paying thousands of dollars to a contractor when a roof fails or windows and doors leak. Paint may peel and siding crumble, but without access to dollars and skills, all hope for addressing these problem is quickly lost.”
Two local homeowners recently found hope and much more through the Helping Hands home repair program offered by Habitat for Humanity.
Violet Goodwin had struggled for years trying to patch her roof, but it had become a game of chasing leaks with fresh stains on her ceiling after each new storm. The damage was mounting and the cost for a complete tear-off and re-roof was far beyond her retirement budget.
When Habitat for Humanity showed up at 606 W. State Street in Jefferson to replace the roof, they couldn’t help but notice the badly peeling paint on her house and garage as well. With plenty of volunteers to go around, not only is the roof now bone dry, but there’s a fresh coat of paint and Godwin has finished it all with her own knack for decorating. The house looks marvelous once again.
Dedication of that project is slated for 2:30 pm at the home.
Talk to Harold Elliot very long and it becomes obvious he has led a colorful life, always working hard and relying on himself for everything. As an avowed 80-something bachelor, he maintains an efficient little house at 502 N.Vine Street. He is mostly confined to a chair these days and certainly can’t get anywhere near his roof, which was leaking very badly every time even the smallest rain event would occur.
After a complete tear-off and re-roof, rotted trim boards from around the home were removed and replaced with new. The entire house and small garage were painted and landscaping was rejuvenated. A much safer backdoor entrance was built and new gutters and downspouts were installed to move water away from the foundation.
Elliot’s house is now dry, safe and attractive. The project will be dedicated at 3 pm Sunday.
At both dedications, there will be remarks, refreshments, and tours. The dedications will follow the groundbreaking at the new Habitat project, renovation of a home at 901 W. Washington St, also in Jefferson.
As with all Habitat for Humanity partner families, both homeowners will be repaying the cost of materials used in repairing their homes through a zero-interest loan with low, affordable monthly payments.
Major support for these Helping Hands project came from the Greene County Community Foundation, the Greene County board of supervisors and many generous donations from service clubs, churches, businesses and individuals across Greene County.
Special recognition also goes to Gary Von Ahsen, Harry Ahrenholtz, and Sam Harding of Jefferson who have spent countless hours designing, coordinating and working on each of these projects. “Without their guidance and commitment to improving the lives of others within our communities, these successes would not have been possible,” Kretzinger said.
“While elderly, disabled and otherwise disadvantaged homeowners often lack the physical and financial ability to repair and maintain their homes, thanks to the Helping Hands program through Habitat for Humanity, there can be hope once again. It’s time to celebrate the power of hope,” he added.
