REBUILDING TOGETHER: REPAIRING HOMES AND IMPROVING LIVES

Lynn moved to Fargo from out of state in 1980, thinking she’d stay just long enough to gain some work experience and then move on. Thirty-five years later Lynn is still here, in the 1930s home she fell in love with. A few years ago she was hit hard by her depression, an illness that can be situational and temporary for some, but for others can be a chronic and debilitating presence in their lives.

During that difficult time, Lynn’s home repair to-do list began growing. Her garage was broke into and she began worrying that someone could break into her house as well. With the constant strain of depression and a growing list of home repairs, Lynn was overwhelmed, and her sense of security was weakening knowing the doorknobs and locks on her house were in desperate need of replacement.

While Lynn also has a physical disability that limits her dexterity, she is quick not to blame her physical disability for the list of home repairs that piled up. “A lot of this stuff I know how to do, and can physically do myself, but I’m just not doing it. I need that push to get going and it’s so much easier when someone is helping me to do it.”

One day at work, Lynn overheard a co-worker talking about Rebuilding Together. Lynn went online and researched the organization and found out Rebuilding Together offered home repair and renovation services, free of charge, to low-income individuals and families with an emphasis on helping the elderly, people with disabilities and Veterans. She sent in an application, not knowing if the paralyzing effects depression had on her life would be considered a valid reason for her to get some help with fixing things in her home and garage.

A couple weeks later she got a phone call from Rebuilding Together. And the next thing she knew, Ursula Hegvik with Smart Spaces in Fargo was at her house, meeting with her to figure out a plan of attack. Hegvik, a returning volunteer with Rebuilding Together, had been appointed lead project captain. “I just hit it off with her,” said Hegvik. “She can do a lot. It’s amazing what she already has done around her house and she’s just so grateful we’re going to help with the other things she can’t.”

On a sunny Tuesday morning, Hegvik arrives at Lynn’s home with a van full of materials and hardware she needs to make the necessary improvements to Lynn’s home. Hegvik is humbled by the generosity of Fargo’s Home Depot, who, in collaboration with Rebuilding Together, ensured Lynn isn’t just getting whatever leftover, cheap hardware and materials they could provide, but instead the most durable, quality materials they offer in their store. Hegvik also brings her company’s handyman, Jamie Rasmussen, from Smart Spaces, to help out with the job. “He’s just a terrific installer who is handy at a lot more than just building closets,” said Hegvik. But she insists you don’t have to be a professional to help. “Something like just painting a room goes so much faster with more people. There are always little projects that anyone can do.”

Lisa Graalum, Rebuilding Together’s program coordinator, works as a liaison between homeowners who need help, volunteers who want to give their time and abilities, and donors who graciously give materials, money and professional advice or services. Graalum explained, “By using volunteer labor and receiving discounted and donated materials we estimate that for every dollar we spend, the home is improved by three dollars.”

Graalum said the organization’s official goal is to help low-income homeowners improve the warmth, safety and condition of their home. But she is adamant that Rebuilding Together does so much more. Speaking to both the physical and mental aspects of home ownership, Graalum said, “[After a project] we haven’t just physically repaired their home, but we’ve also helped restore that emotional confidence and pride in homeownership. We keep it affordable to be both safe and healthy in their home.”

Lynn admitted, “I wrote down just about everything I needed to get done [on her application], but I thought even if they only help with one little thing, it’ll still be something.”

After Hegvik and Rasmussen finish installing a new door handle on the walk-in garage door and blinds on the garage windows, Lynn said, “Even if they up and left right now, I’d still be grateful.” Hegvik understands too how the simple act of lending a hand on small tasks can impact the homeowners she helps. “It’s nice to provide these basic services and make a huge difference in Lynn’s day-to-day life. It’s nice to give people some peace of mind.”

[AWM]

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GIVE someone that peace of mind or need some yourself? Contact Lisa Graalum at Rebuilding Together at 701-356-7836, or go to www.rebuildingtogetherfma.org and fill out a volunteer or homeowner application and read more about the people they’ve helped.