Recently, we had the pleasure of working with a couple who were renovating a family home for their elderly, low-income mother. She had moved out of the house because of health issues but now was ready to move back in. Unfortunately, the house needed lots of work done, including interior refurbishment, removal of unused items, yard cleanup, and a working HVAC system.

The family was renovating the kitchen and baths and replacing flooring throughout but was overwhelmed by the amount of clutter in the home and the maintenance needed in the yard. Most importantly, there was no heating or air conditioning.

We partnered with the family and brought volunteers from MSA Consulting who cleaned out the yard, stabilized privacy fencing between the home and a vacant lot, and helped move out old, unneeded furnishings, rugs, etc. In one day, a 40-yard dumpster was filled with debris, and recyclable items such as a piano and a pool table found new homes.

To solve the climate control issue, we funded the installation of a three-unit Mini Split system to cool and heat the home.

The son-in-law stated, “We were overwhelmingly happy with the whole process, and the compassion and care Habitat staff and volunteers took in dealing with our mother’s needs and wishes.”

All our gratitude goes to the eleven employees of MSA Consulting who pitched in on a Saturday in November to help us with this ABWK project.