Home Repair Program Helps Linda Take Pride in Her Childhood Home

Linda is proud of the Denver home where she grew up. And thanks to the partnership of Habitat Metro Denver volunteers, she can stay in her home for good. “My neighbors say they wished their houses looked this good!” shares Linda, 72.

Linda moved back to her childhood home eight years ago to care for her mother as her mom battled Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Linda lives with several disabilities of her own, but worked as a store clerk and an aide in a nursing home, along with caring for her mom. When her mother died last year, Linda inherited the home to care for and make her own.

At that time, many of the home’s main features hadn’t been updated since her childhood. The fence was falling over, the windows leaked cold air in the winter, and the exterior house paint was flaking off. Linda’s social worker told her about Habitat’s home repair program, which helps existing homeowners with essential projects so they can continue living in their own homes safely and affordably. Homeowners contribute sweat equity hours and make a payment to cover a percentage of their home repair costs.

For Linda’s home, the Habitat home repair team focused on projects that would conserve energy and reduce utility bills, such as installing new storm windows. The team also gave the home a fresh coat of paint, installed a new privacy fence, and mended the gutters.

“Without Habitat, I would have had to move out. I couldn’t afford to paint it, fix the fence, or get new windows,’’ shares Linda. “After the repairs were first done, I would drive past the house because I didn’t remember it had been painted!”

Linda shares her home with her dog, Bandit, who quickly learned to dig under the new fence. Now, Linda puts him on a chain so they can enjoy the yard together. She’s proud of keeping her house and yard clean and tidy, and is looking forward to lower utility bills this winter, thanks to her new windows.

“I really want to thank Habitat for fixing my house,” Linda shares. “I have a nice house now. I show people that even though I am here alone with my dog, I can take care of my home and take pride in my home.”