Thankful: Connie's Story

Connie, an 81-year-old homeowner, has lived in her home for nine years, sharing it with her husband and their dog, Rosie. Over time, the wear and tear on their front and back porches became more than just an eyesore—it was becoming a safety concern. As she described it, “It was a headache. Things were always in the way. The porches looked pretty sad. They needed to be redone.”

With her husband recently recovering from a stroke and both of them managing life on a fixed income, Connie sought help through senior assistance programs, which eventually led her to Habitat for Humanity’s repairs program. Habitat’s crew, led by Jake, stepped in to rebuild their front and back steps, adding handrails for extra safety. Reflecting on the experience, Connie said, “Jake did a great job. We were very pleased with the work that he and volunteers did.”

The improvements brought immediate relief. “It looks a lot nicer,” Connie shared. “The handrails are a nice addition. Then hopefully next year, we’ll get it repainted.” Beyond the physical changes, the impact on their daily lives was significant. For Connie and her husband, knowing there are services available to help senior citizens has been a great comfort. “Our income has decreased quite a bit, so having these programs is very helpful,” she explained.

When asked what message she’d like to share with the volunteers and donors who made the repairs possible, Connie’s gratitude was evident. “Thank you for being there, providing these services. It’s nice to know that there are programs out there that can help older folks remain in their homes.” She added with a warm smile, “I’m just happy that there’s things like this out there. I can’t really add anything more other than thank you, thank you, thank you.”

For homeowners like Connie, Habitat’s repairs program is more than just fixing what’s broken—it’s restoring peace of mind and improving quality of life during a time when they need it most.