Ed's Leaking Roof Posed Fire Danger

A veteran of WWII, Ed, 80, had a leading roof on his mobile home. After years of weathering rain, sun, and hail, the roof coating started to peel away. WAter from the roof then seeped down into light fixtures posing a dangerous fire hazard.

When Brad Breland, Construction Supervisor for RTMD, came out to inspect Ed's home to assess the damage, the need was so critical that Brad decided to make the needed repairs himself.

Ed already had the roof patch coating, so Brad scraped off the old peeling and cracked roof coating, put the new sealant on it, and within a few hours Ed had a roof that worked like new.

Rebuilding Together Metro Denver strives to be sure that all repairs are made as quickly as possible. Now Ed has a roof that keeps him dry and safe.

Emergency Repairs for Gerri's Bathroom Floor

When she lost one of her feet to diabetes, Gerri, 64 years old, had to start using a wheelchair to get around. After living in her home for 20 years, it was a difficult adjustment. Then, Gerri's bathroom floor started rotting through making it impossible for her to use it. With the wheelchair limiting her mobility and no one to help her make the needed repairs, Gerri was losing hope.

A friend told Gerri about Rebuilding Together Metro Denver's Emergency Home Repair Program. It proved great match for her needs. A flooring contractor donated materials and we replaced the rotting bathroom floor with new boards and installed brand new tiles at no cost to Gerri.

Now Gerri has a safe, comfortable, and useable bathroom, but there was much more needed to be done to modify her home to make it safe and comfortable. Gerri's home was one of the 18 homes rehabilitated on the Fall Rebuilding Day, October 6, 2007.

Wheelchair Ramp Provides Access to the World

Jim and Virginia, both 80 years old, struggled every day getting to their car. Jim uses a walker and Virginia a wheelchair. Every night, Jim would leave her wheelchair at the bottom of the steps in front of their porch, and every morning he would carry Virginia down the stairs to set her in the chair. Jim's strength and dedication were tremendous, but the strain of this situation was becoming unbearable.

Partnering with Ramps by Design, Rebuilding Together Metro Denver designed and built a wheelchair ramp for the Federal Heights couple. With some wood, a couple nails, an lot of love, caring and hard work, Jim and Virginia can now access the world outside their door without the dangerous routine they used to face.

Lenita's Basement Support Beam Collapses

Former A Home for All Seasons client, Lenita, heard a popping noise, then a big crash in her basement. She sent her granddaughter down to investigate. What her granddaughter found at the bottom of the basement stairs was a pile of dirt, a wooden beam laying shattered and huge blocks of concrete among the debris. A post had come loose from the beam that supports the house leaving a pile of rubble in its wake.

Lenita called Rebuilding Together Metro Denver and we acted quickly to arrange for a contractor who shoveled the dirt out of the way, built a retaining wall, and installed two adjustable support posts on the beam. Now Lenita can rest comfortably, knowing that her basement is well-supported and safe.

From the Countrywide House Captain after Rebuilding Day April 28, 2007:

ANOTHER FEEL GOOD MOMENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY REBUILDING TOGETHER

WOW! Could mother nature have been more of a sweetheart. Not only was the weather awesome, but we were truly blessed with an incredible, outstanding, enthusiastic, group of volunteers. Wait, there's more. We had the most gracious, helpful family since my inception with Rebuilding Together. Lilly gave hugs to each and every volunteer as they arrived and as they finished for the day.

In addition, both of Lilly's children thanked everyone for the difference we made to their mom. Lilly's children were so impressed, they wanted information on the next project. Guess what, they want to volunteer and "pay it forward" for someone else.

Thank you are two words that incorporate so much. The emotion behind these words speaks volumes. You all need to be very proud of the efforts you put forward in making a difference. Lilly truly felt as if she had won the lottery. GREAT, GREAT JOB EVERYONE!