At 74, Sherri has faced more than her share of challenges. Between heart and kidney failure, COPD, and a flu virus that compromised her lungs, she’s fought hard to maintain her health and independence. “It’s been really hard,” Sherri shared, her voice reflecting both the struggles of aging and the strength she’s found through it all. “Just trying to keep up with owning a home when you’re 74 is really hard.”
Sherri’s home, her place of comfort and stability, started to present challenges she could no longer afford to address on her own. Light switches that didn’t work, a leaky handheld showerhead, a broken valve that made showering difficult, and outdated smoke detectors became pressing issues. These small but important repairs were threatening Sherri’s ability to stay safe and comfortable in her own home.
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The problem wasn’t just the repairs themselves, but Sherri’s financial situation. Having reduced her working hours to just eight a week due to her health, the cost of living and home repairs became increasingly difficult to manage. “Financially, it was really hard to keep up with repairs,” Sherri explained. “I needed help.”
That’s when she learned about Habitat for Humanity’s Home Repairs Program. Through a community meeting with the Better Breathers Club, Sherri was introduced to Habitat’s repair services—something she hadn’t realized was available. “I had heard about helping people build homes, but I never realized that Habitat helped with home repairs,” she said.
Sherri applied and soon received the help she so desperately needed. Thanks to the support of Habitat’s donors and volunteers, a team stepped in to make critical repairs. They installed new light switches, fixed her shower’s broken valve, upgraded her leaky handheld showerhead, and replaced all of her smoke detectors—restoring safety and comfort to her home.
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“Having those smoke detectors replaced is a real peace of mind. The ones I had were really old, and now I feel so much safer,” Sherri shared. “And having a shower head that isn’t leaking and light switches that aren’t broken—it’s just wonderful. I love it.”
The impact of these repairs goes beyond just fixing things. It’s about stability, peace of mind, and staying in her home. “That’s my goal, to stay here,” Sherri said. Thanks to Habitat, that goal is more achievable than ever.
As she reflected on the help she received, Sherri’s gratitude shined through. “God bless you. You’re a blessing,” she said of the volunteers and donors. “I can’t even express how grateful I am to all the people you have—the board, the volunteers, and the donations. It’s just a blessing.”
For Sherri, Habitat for Humanity’s Home Repairs Program wasn’t just about fixing a few things around the house. It was about giving her the support she needed to stay in her home—a home where she can continue to live independently and safely, with a heart full of gratitude for the blessings she’s received.
AI-generated content: This story was written with AI assistance.