At Habitat for Humanity of Clallam County, we’re not just focused on building new houses. We’re here to help people stay in the homes they already love through our Critical Repairs Program. This program provides (often) free or very low-cost repairs to elderly homeowners who can’t afford to fix dangerous issues in their homes. Whether it’s replacing rotted wood or providing safe access to and from, our goal is to make homes safe again, without putting elderly homeowners in more financial hardship.
Let me share Carol Larson’s story. Carol has lived in her home on 12th Street in Port Angeles for over 40 years. She’s a Vietnam War veteran who served as a nurse and a longtime volunteer at the senior center. Despite her service to others, her home had become unsafe.
Twenty years ago, a remodel placed the downspouts from her roof directly onto her wooden front porch. Over time, the water rotted the deck boards, making it treacherous for Carol to navigate—a serious issue for an elderly woman living alone, with no family nearby. Worse, the damage extended past the ledger boards and into the beams supporting the front of her house. In an earthquake, this kind of structural weakness could prevent her from safely leaving her home or even cause a catastrophic collapse.
When Carol reached out, our team stepped in. We replaced the rotten porch and repaired the structural damage, making her home safe again. A few months later, when her basement pipes burst, Carol called us right away. Our Construction Manager, Joe, drove over immediately, shut off the water, and arranged for a plumber. We even helped her navigate her insurance claim for the damage.
All of this work—critical repairs to her porch and emergency assistance for her plumbing—cost less than $1,500., and thanks to grant funding, Carol, who is on a very limited income, didn’t incur any costs.
This program allows seniors like Carol to stay in their homes with dignity and safety. If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out. And if you’re interested in supporting this work, we’d love to have you join us as a volunteer or partner. Together, we can make sure our neighbors stay safe and secure in the homes they’ve cherished for years.
Learn more about our Critical Repairs Program and how to get involved by clicking here.
