Rebuilding Together Fargo-Moorhead Area

 July 2017 issue

Homeowner Spotlight :

Tammy a widow moved  to  Dilworth  Minnesota   after the death of her husband and subsequent sale of their small family farm. She found herself in need of  major home repairs a few years after purchasing her small single story home.  Living  with a crippling degenerative disease she came to Rebuilding Together in April of last year in need of  windows , exterior paint, and a roof for her home. She was unable to qualify for  a HUD  loan to make the repairs even though her annual income is just $25,000. Tami works part time and is able to collect social security but finds it difficult to make ends meet. Her  adult daughter and young son also live with her while the daughter  works towards a college degree in a near by school. With a young child in the home and energy bills rising Tammy ‘s house was in desperate need of repairs. Thanks to a  Wells Fargo Housing  Foundation challenge grant and volunteers form our local Wells Fargo Banks we were able to give this  women’s home a much needed facelift. Thank you Wells Fargo !

     

RTFMA News:  

The 2017 build season is in full swing we have 15 projects completed so far this year with another 27 on the books waiting to be done. Our  new “Critical Care Crew “has been working on and completed over  safe and healthy home assessments. 2017 is turning into a very busy year “transforming the lives of area homeowners”!

Homeowner Spotlight :

Charles and his wife  are both over 80 years of age, they have lived in their North Fargo home for 39 years. They  worked, raised three children, volunteered, and lived in  the Fargo community the majority of their lives. They both suffer from type two diabetes as well as other age related illnesses.  Charles is legally blind and needs a walker or cane to get around.  Both Charles and his wife  are insulin dependent and take other medications on a daily basis. The expense of their medications, supplemental medical insurance, and basic needs leaves them unable to make critical home repairs on their own. Charles and Mavis would love to continue to live in their home for years to come !

They have  experienced issues with the roof of their home for several years and were in  need of a new roof. Ice built up in the gutters which then backed up and leaked into the attic and interior of the home. Heating and cooling costs were elevated due to the condition of the insulation and roof ,causing a strain on an their already dwindling income. With a generous grant from Lowe’s we were able to make a new roof a reality for  this Fargo couple. Thank you!

   

RTFMA News:

Save the Date– Our second annual “ Beer, BBQ, Build” will be held Sept 26th from 5p-7p at the Front Street Tap room. Our 2017 project s are in full  swing we have completed 9 projects to date with another 29 in the works. If you are interested in making a difference in  the lives of others  by giving back of your time call  Lisa at  find out about our many volunteer opportunities in this project season at 701-356-7836.

 

May 2017 Issue

Homeowner Spotlight :

Carol came to the Rebuilding Together in April of this year in need of help in replacing the leaking water heater in her home. Carol  grew up in the same Moorhead residence she resides in today. She inherited her home from her parents upon their death. Her house means the world to her, it is the only place she wants to live. She has needed help keeping up her home for some time as her social security income does not allow for expensive home repairs. She was very worried that the water damage caused by the leaking water heater would create mold and urgently needed a new one. She also had no idea how to find a replacement for her 1975 under the sink water heater. She was so relieved to hear that Rebuilding Together would be able to help her with this. Much to her surprise Rebuilding Together was able to find an appropriate updated version that would work in Carols home. With the help of  a few great volunteers  this new water heater will help keep this area senior in the  safe and healthy home she loves.

RTFMA News:

2017 projects are in full swing. We are in need of home sponsors and volunteers to meet the needs of the 35 plus homeowners who are currently awaiting safe and healthy home repairs. If you are interested in making a difference in  the lives of others  call our office and   find out how you can help  in 2017 701-356-7836.

 

 

Summary of 2016 Projects

We completed 35 projects for 26 families. Of the homeowners we helped, 54 % were over 65 years of age, 24% of the homeowners live with a disability, and 16 % of  homeowners are Veterans or widows of Veterans. Most of the homeowners are living on Social Security as their only source of income making it difficult to afford  the repairs needed to provide a safe and healthy home.

We are grateful for our 180 volunteers who gave over 1800 hours of their time to ensure our  neighbors have a safe and healthy home.