Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity sends this information as posted below:
OKLAHOMA CITY—Michael M. is a disabled resident of South Oklahoma City who recently contacted Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair (CHR) program for help with his deteriorating 1925 home.
Michael, 61, stated in his CHR application that he’s used a wheelchair since a diving accident at a local lake left him partially paralyzed when he was 20. He has a limited income and asked for help with serious safety issues in his house. CHR assists low-income homeowners with repairs and weatherization, focusing on those facing limitations due to income, age, disability or other circumstances.
The divorced father of three grown children stated that he previously worked in computer programming but was laid off after 16 years. Michael has lived in his home for 28 years, but he has been unable to afford or make the needed repairs. When he moved into his house, contractors made his shower wheelchair accessible, but failed to reinforce the shower floor, leaving it partially hollow and filled with concrete.
Michael needed CHR’s help because his shower floor started to buckle, and related plumbing problems damaged his floors. Despite the age and condition of his house, Michael said he is determined to stay in his home as long as possible.
“I wanted help because my house means independence,” Michael said. “Even though my house is old and ugly, it’s my dwelling and I love it – even more now that Habitat has improved it.”
CHR Project Manager Erich Font emphasized the importance of safety in Habitat’s repair efforts and said that all the CHR Board of Directors members approved Michael’s request.
“Our goal is to make homes safe and well-maintained so homeowners on limited incomes can stay in their homes and neighborhoods,” Font said.
Habitat staff and volunteers — including the ROVERS (Really Optimistic Volunteers Enjoying Repairing Stuff) — replaced Michael’s shower, fixed his kitchen floor, and made other necessary repairs over several weekends in recent weeks.
Today, Michael expresses gratitude for his support through Habitat’s CHR program. He proudly wears a silver ring inscribed with “Love Life,” inherited from his late mother. “I love life,” Michael shared with a smile. “I feel blessed by the help from Habitat and the community.”
Habitat’s CHR program welcomes volunteers. Font said volunteering is also a great way to learn skills and build new friendships.
“Our volunteers not only help seniors stay in their homes longer, but we also have a lot of fun,” he said. For more information about volunteering or donating to the CHR program, visit www.helpmyhabitat.com or call 405-232-4828.
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