Oxfordian Fall/Winter 2021 Edition

Page 32

Good Neighbors Home Repair

By Marcella Peyre-Ferry Contributing Writer Good Neighbors Home Repair will mark 30 years of service to the community in 2022. The non-profit organization has a history of being a resource for lowincome residents who need help to remain in their homes. Their mission is to help people be warmer, safer, drier, and healthier. “We do what we call critical infrastructure. We replace and repair roofs, we put in windows or siding, we’ll repair stairs or porches or decks—anything that’s unsafe,” executive director Harold Naylor said. The organization can also replace heating systems, water heaters, plumbing and help catch up with any deferred maintenance. Good Neighbors Home Repair can also add wheelchair ramps, widen doorways, and install handrails and grab bars. “We try to help people stay in their homes,” Naylor said. He noted that the organization does not work on rental properties or make upgrades for anyone who is planning on selling their home. Sometimes the needs are temporary. “We do a lot of aluminum ramps that you can take out once a person recovers or sometimes a person passes away,” Naylor explained. “Then we can redeploy the ramp.” Good Neighbors is currently working on a larger-than-usual project in Oxford. At the Market Street home of Richard and Shantra Rogers, they are creating room for the couple to properly care for their special needs children. Naylor explained that the family adopts and fosters special needs children.

Photo by Jennifer Zduniak, Jennifer Zduniak Design and Photography Harold Naylor, Executive Director, Good Neighbors Home Repair

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Fall/Winter 2021 | Volume 47


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