Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

Grace’s husband Soney, a highly skilled contractor, lovingly restored the home to its natural beauty.  About twelve years ago, Grace took on an unexpected responsibility.  “My grandson Sherome has been living with us just about his whole life.  He’s such a good kid, and we feel blessed to have him.”  A sophomore at DeLaSalle High School, Sherome enjoys playing football and basketball.

With a beautiful home, wonderful and supportive husband, and a darling grandson to care for, Grace feels truly blessed. 

As with all older homes, in recent years, the exterior of the home started showing signs of wear and Soney turned his attention outside.  The fence needed fixing and painting, the storm door on the house was due for replacement, and the yard was in desperate need of weeding and landscaping.  He started painting the fence an interesting shade of orange.

“Well, the color looked beautiful, warm and inviting when we saw it inside someone’s house.  Unfortunately, when used outside, it made our fence look like a circus tent.  We became the neighborhood landmark because of that ugly fence,” said Grace.

Soney intended to repaint the fence, but a stroke, followed by a heart attack, put his plans on hold.  “The stroke changed everything.  It really slowed him down,” she said.

Since the stroke, any work Soney performs is to earn income for the family.  “The stroke really brought him down to handy man status.  The only people that hire him now are people that know him and are willing to let him take his time and work at his own pace,” said Grace.

Battling fibromyalgia for the past decade, Grace wasn’t able to pick up the maintenance.  Some days the chronic pain is so bad, she struggles even to stand up.  But Grace has learned techniques that help her to persevere.  “Some days are better then others.  If I am having a good day, I cook enough for an army and save it up so we have something on hand for the bad days.”

Grace heard about ABWK from a friend that works at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and took a chance.  “I was so excited that we were selected, I just couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Grace’s home was one of 17 homes metro-wide that were sponsored by U.S. Bank.  The volunteer effort was part of U.S. Bank’s national sponsorship of the sixth annual Community Build Day, a nationwide event in partnership with The Financial Services Roundtable, a trade association of 100 of the largest integrated financial services companies in the United States. Through Community Build Day initiatives, companies and employees volunteer to build houses, neighborhoods and communities through a variety of activities. Every Saturday throughout August, volunteer crews came out to work.

“With all the terrible things going on in the world, and with all the challenges that we face here on the Northside, it fills my heart knowing that there is so much goodness here, that there are people that do care.  It gives me hope,” said Grace.  “Everyone from U.S. Bank was extremely nice and so hard working.  Thank you just isn’t a big enough expression to describe how I feel.”

Volunteers painted Grace’s fence and house, replaced the front storm door, and weeded and landscaped the yard, planting hostas.  

“My neighbor even stopped by and thanked them for taking care of the neighborhood eye-sore,” said Grace, laughing. 

Grace encourages other families in need to apply to the program.  “They shouldn’t feel intimidated or ashamed.  All of us at some point in our lives just need a little help,” she said.


Contributed by Sharon Rolenc

 

Photo by Sharon Rolenc