For many low-income homeowners in Appalachia, particularly the elderly and disabled, struggling to get by on meager fixed incomes, the cost of repairing a leaking roof, rotting floors, or constructing a desperately needed handicap ramp is far beyond their means.
But thanks to the supporters of Americans Helping Americans®, we are able to provide funding to our grassroots partners, who operate home rehabilitation programs, to purchase materials such as shingles, drywall, and lumber, which are utilized by volunteer church and student groups to make the repairs under the guidance of experienced contractors.
In Jefferson City, Tennessee, our partner there, Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies (AMOS), operates a home repair program for qualified residents in Jefferson, Grainger, Cocke, and Hamblen counties for homeowners who live in the home and have resided there for at least three years and whose income falls within the statewide median income guidelines.
Teams travel to East Tennessee for ten weeks each year to serve families living in substandard conditions. According to AMOS, many of these volunteers return year after year.
“Our home repair program focuses on the exterior needs of homes that need handicap-accessible ramps, decking, roofing, and painting,” states AMOS on its website. We partner with churches throughout the United States, who provide labor and skills needed to complete projects.
Earlier this summer, such a group descended on the home of Glenda, a 75-year-old woman whose single-wide mobile home needed various repairs.
Although the exterior and property were noted to be in good order, the cap board on the guardrail around the rear porch was rotting, the steps had no handrail, and her front deck was rotting and sagging, making it hazardous for Glenda to enter and exit her home.
The group of volunteers removed the front deck, ramp, and steps and, using materials purchased with grant funding from Americans Helping Americans®, rebuilt a small deck and landing with a ramp. They also repaired and stained the rear porch and added a handrail next to the steps.
Another previous project undertaken by AMOS with support from Americans Helping Americans® was for Tammy, a 65-year-old woman who “has spent her entire life trying to help others,” reported AMOS executive director Jean-Ann Washam.
“She has not had an easy life but has always felt like others had it harder than she did,” said Jean-Ann, noting that Tammy’s husband had left her when her son was a toddler. “She became the sole breadwinner for the family as her son was diagnosed with Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes.
“Tammy didn't get down but instead worked harder to ensure that her son modified his life to be heathier, took on additional responsibilities at her local church to have a second income and continued to look for opportunities to serve those less fortunate.”
And she persevered for some two decades before in the last few years her own health began to decline with her mobility becoming a issue and requiring a hip replacement.
“In the midst of these health issues, AMOS became aware of Tammy’s financial situation and the repairs needed to her home,” said Jean-Ann, noting that her deck had become unsafe to walk on and her carpet was a tripping hazard.
A friend of Tammy’s was the one who reached out to Jean-Ann and AMOS for help and Jean-Ann at first was “unsure if Tammy would accept our help or if she would be offended.
“She was humbled by the gesture.”
When Jean-Ann explained that she and AMOS were there to help, “Tammy teared up and said she had always helped others and she was embarrassed to need it herself.”
“After several conversations and a visit to Tammy’s home, she began to get excited.”
The project first began with her son and his friends helping to move her furniture, followed by the removal of the rotten deck along with the old carpet.”
One of AMOS’ volunteer teams from North Carolina was eager to be a part of being helping her and spent says laying flooring in her kitchen, living room, bedroom and bathroom.
In addition, the team constructed a new deck and, for good measure, cut way overgrown brush from near her house.
“Needless to say, Tammy has been super appreciative and believes that God has provided for an incredible need,” says Jean-Ann. “She was not willing to ask for help because he believed other people were in greater need.
“However, God provided through a friend asking AMOS to get involved, willing volunteers, and funding from Americans Helping Americans®.
“Thank you for being a part of this repair that created a safe home for a very deserving lady.”
Jean-Ann also wanted the supporters of Americans Helping Americans® to know that “All of the families we serve are very low income and could not afford to do these needed repairs on their own.
“Several of them have disabilities that also prevent them from performing repairs on their homes.
“Through this grant, we were able to make their homes safer for them.
“We would not have been able to do all of these repairs this year without the support of Americans Helping Americans®”
And in distressed McDowell County, West Virginia, our partner there, Big Creek People in Action (BCPIA) executive director Dyanne Spriggs reported that thanks to the supporters of Americans Helping Americans® they were able to assist a young man named Bryan, who has been caring for his mother and father for many years because of health issues.
Dyanne reported that he lived with his parents in their home but hoped to move into a space above the garage next door to have more privacy.
“And we decided to help him,” said Dyanne. “First, we added a few walls so that he would have a bedroom, bathroom, and eventually a kitchen. We installed plumbing along with a toilet, shower, and sink.
“This young man was overjoyed that he has his place while being close by to help with his parents.”
