Volunteer’s skills restore homes and dignity

By Grace Hill

For the elderly, a home contains a lifetime of memories. “It’s more than just a physical structure,” said Aaron Grant, volunteer program manager at People Working Cooperatively.

PWC has operated with this understanding for 45 years, uniting licensed technicians and skilled volunteers in a practical response to poverty. As illness and old age threaten independence, PWC helps keep community members safe and healthy in their homes.

From electrical maintenance to accessibility modifications, the improvements made by staff and volunteers can uplift those experiencing poverty, illness, aging and unsafe housing conditions.

“The founders understood there is something really important about maintaining the basic structures of home, the basic systems, to make it livable,” Grant said.

Steve Gemperline is one of roughly 3,000 volunteers serving a total of 20,000 hours each year. Gemperline uses his experience in home repair to assist PWC as a field technician. Equipped with tools, training and experience, he brings both expertise and empathy to his work.

Volunteer Steve Gemperline

Gemperline assumed his role shortly after retiring from GE Aviation in 2017. And while a background in electronics, management and manufacturing predisposed him to the hands-on work, his real education began at home.

“My dad taught me all this stuff,” Gemperline said. “I come from a large family. I’ve got five brothers, and we just did everything around the house.”

Today, he uses the skills his dad taught to support both his family and his community.

PWC volunteers Bob Trusty (foreground), Ed Budo and Melissa McOwen

As a volunteer, he routinely changes outlets, switches and plugs, installs handrails and insulation, fixes plumbing and seals leaks.

As a son, he provides steadfast care to his dad, who is 97, and his mom, 93. Gemperline recently assisted their move into a condominium that would allow them to keep their independence while meeting safety needs.

In his parents’ case that meant not only taking care of accessibility modifications, like installing “elephant steps” to accommodate walkers, but making sure their new space felt like home.

A key factor in providing familiarity and comfort at the condo was a deck that mimicked the one his parents had enjoyed for decades, he said.

“You learn from that,” he said. “People have a strong attachment to their residence.”

PWC volunteers Bob Trusty, Melissa McOwen, Ed Budo and Aaron Grant

Gemperline said even small repairs instill a sense of pride because they allow clients to remain safe and healthy in their homes.

“They don’t feel that they’re just existing,” he said.

“They live a bit better.” For Grant, the dignity piece “can’t be overstated.” As a volunteer, “You’re in the home for at least three to four hours, if not longer. Even if you spend most of it under a bathroom sink cabinet, you’re

always learning more about someone’s story, about their situation. Yes, you want to fix the technical problem, but ... by being there, you’re also reminding people that we all, the whole community, have a stake in helping them stay safe and healthy in their home,” Grant said.

“It’s a social value they create beyond just the impact of the physical changes they’re making.”

PWC adjusts to COVID for 45 Days of Service

Volunteers are still needed to help with People Working Cooperatively’s 45 Days of Service.

The event, which continues through Nov. 14, allows socially distanced community volunteers to come together to help neighbors in need.

Historically, PWC’s annual Prepare Affair and Repair Affair events have provided home repair and yard clean-up services performed by thousands of volunteers across the region over a period of two days. But due to COVID-19, PWC has implemented safety precautions, including no direct contact with PWC clients, a limit on crew sizes, face coverings required, and work will be outdoors only.

www.pwchomerepairs.org