Staying Home & Grateful: Sherri's Story - Habitat Stories | Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity

Habitat stories

Meet Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity.

 

Staying Home & Grateful: Sherri's Story

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 Light switches that didn’t work, a leaky handheld showerhead, a broken valve that made showering difficult, and outdated smoke detectors became pressing issues.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.

Before Photos:

home switches
Ceiling image
home switches
Ceiling image

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 Light switches that didn’t work, a leaky handheld showerhead, a broken valve that made showering difficult, and outdated smoke detectors became pressing issues.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.

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.

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.

After Photos:

after_shower

after_switch

after_smoke_detector

after_green_switch

“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.

Related

IWCF - Hearts for Boise

IWCF - Hearts for Boise

In the heart of Boise, Idaho, a group of dedicated individuals form a powerful force for change. Thi...

Read More >
Amisa Story: From Surviving to Thriving

Amisa Story: From Surviving to Thriving

Amisa and her four children, ages one, two, 12, and 15, were the recipients of Treasure Valley Habit...

Read More >
Habitat for Humanity Celebrates Launch of Home Repairs Program

Habitat for Humanity Celebrates Launch of Home Repairs Program

Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity celebrated the installation of its first permanent accessibilit...

Read More >
The Future of Habitat

The Future of Habitat

Kimber Russell wears many hats. From principal owner of 1 Percent Consulting, adjunct faculty for Co...

Read More >
Kathy's Story

Kathy's Story

When Kathy moved into the home her mother had owned in 1985, she knew that someday it would need rep...

Read More >
Reclaimed Independence: Thelesa's Story

Reclaimed Independence: Thelesa's Story

In a world that can sometimes feel isolating, Thelesa's story serves as a testament to the trans...

Read More >
 
The New Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity logo

Welcome to Treasure Valley Habitat for Humanity! Formerly known as Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity, we are excited to announce our name change as we expand our services to now serve Ada and Canyon Counties. Rest assured, we continue to provide the same life-changing housing and repairs programs and support to our community.