Editor’s note: This article is Part 2 of a two-part series about home repair services from Harpswell Aging at Home.
Homeowner Catherine waited a while before she called Gina at the Town Office to apply for home repairs. Years before, Catherine had signed up for the Harpswell Aging at Home newsletter at the suggestion of a colleague at the nonprofit where she works. In the newsletter, she read about HAH’s Home Repair Team. After reading, she noted numerous issues in her own home that were unnecessarily putting her at substantial risk. After considering her savings, her age and her health, she finally called.
Soon thereafter, a member of HAH’s Resource Team, Genie Wheelwright, visited. Genie was easy to talk with and provided helpful suggestions to make Catherine’s life more comfortable and safe. They sat together quietly and explored many ideas.
A few days later, Steve Normand and Bob Gaudreau, of HAH’s Home Repair Team, made their initial visit. Steve and Bob are remarkable volunteers with extensive construction experience. Inside and outside the house, they tested, poked and prodded items of concern.
Outside worries included a rotting stair railing and faulty lighting. They would need to reinforce a ramp, add handrails for a deck, build a step and install reflective house numbers. Inside, the team would put in LED lightbulbs, add grab bars, and check out the smoke detectors, gas alarm, dryer hose vent and more.
Throughout the visit, Bob was making a list of what the team would need for lumber and other materials. Steve and Bob make it look like a breeze; however, all goes smoothly because of their extensive construction knowledge.
Steve, as one of five HAH project coordinators, working with John Ferraro, chair of the Home Repair Team, determines when the work will be done, orders the supplies from Bob’s lists, arranges for a trailer to be on-site, explains the work to the team, makes work assignments and more. Another responsibility of a project coordinator is preparing a summary report with documentation to satisfy grant provisions.
Steve reviewed the plan and some paperwork with Catherine, and gave her an approximate start date. She was assured that she would have the final say on all repairs. Steve will review changes with Catherine when the work is completed.
Steve was recently in Augusta to receive an award from the state, being named Exemplary Volunteer of the Year for his work with both HAH and Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers Maine. Congratulations, Steve!
The Home Repair Team has completed 240 projects at approximately 135 homes since its inception in August 2016. Let’s get yours on the schedule! It may not be top of mind as summer approaches, but the Home Repair Team is eager to give you a hand this summer, before the snow flies again.
Once organized, it typically takes one to three days for a team of five to 15 people to do the work. The work is generally done on Thursdays. It’s good to be home to answer questions. For more information, call Gina Caldwell at the Town Office, 207-833-5771 ext. 108.
