James has resided in the home that his mother grew up in for 34 years. As can be expected, plenty of maintenance and repair projects confront this 62 year-old owner of a 100 year-old home.
James found out about Home Repairs for Good from a friend about two years ago. Over the past year, HRG has assisted with several projects that have addressed many of his most pressing needs. Most recently, they tackled a project that would not have been possible several years ago. Due to the Affordable Housing Program from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, HRG was able to replace his roof as a Home Stabilization Program project.
“It was 40 years old. They worked from sunup to sun down and also reinforced the chimney and flashing. They repaired or replaced some of the gutters and downspouts as well. They did a great job! I’m really proud of this roof,” James said with a tone of relief.
Previously, HRG replaced his water heater, as well as steel pipes. “I was getting no water pressure,” he says. In the bathroom, HRG replaced the toilet, reinforced the floor, and replaced pipes to the cast iron tub.
James grew up in Baltimore, attended college in Louisiana, where he studied political science. He worked in consumer affairs in Washington, D. C. for a while before realizing he was needing something different. Since his mother had family in Indy, he relocated here.
Health wise, James says he has been lucky, but keeps his fingers crossed. And he tries to stay fit by working out regularly at the gym. His “hobby” is rehabbing the other half of his home. It has been empty for a while, and he hopes to eventually rent it out.
“I’m a single retired man, just trying to keep what I have, and maintain the property,” he says.
Just as he learned about HRG through word of mouth, James encourages others with home repairs needs to make contact with the organization.
“After you qualify, the process of getting projects approved and done might take a little while, but it’s definitely worth it,” James explained. “Just have a little patience.”
HRG is happy to help older adult homeowners like James with projects small and not so small. Through volunteer power and prudent stewardship of financial contributions, Home Repairs for Good is able to remove barriers that may jeopardize one's ability to continue to live at home. That reinforces our belief that the most affordable home is the one that you currently own.
The challenges for older adults and those with disabilities with their homes are many. If you or someone you know is in need of home repair, call 317-286-2740 or visit www.homerepairsforgood.org and fill out the form. To volunteer as an individual or to be part of a group project, you can sign up here!
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