Everyone deserves a safe and secure home. Through the Whole Home Repair Program and the dedication of our team and partners, we were able to complete critical repairs that have restored not only the structure of a home but also the stability and peace of mind for one of our community members.
Our client, a resilient and determined individual, has faced significant challenges over the years. Despite hardships, they have remained focused on creating a better future for themselves and their family. In a heartfelt letter, they expressed how these repairs have provided them with a renewed sense of security and the ability to move forward with their goals. The improvements have eased daily struggles, allowing them to focus on their dreams for the future.
Here is their letter, with redacted personal info. Click on the title or icon to toggle it open.
Letter from Community Member
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Schuylkill Action Committee
REHAB Program
225 North Centre Street
Pottsville, Pennsylvania 18214
To Whom It May Concern:
Everyone has a story. Everyone’s pain is “particular;” comparing one person’s crisis to another person’s crisis is quite often a cruel practice. Yet, everyone can find themselves in a position they would never have imagined. In my case, I had at the onset of this program, active symptoms of a newly diagnosed neurological cognitive impairment, the recent conclusion of a violent intimate partnership with the involvement of a domestic violence shelter, and no clear path to knowing what my second career would be to earn an income due to the aforementioned. Ironically, I purchased this home so I would not be afraid of becoming unhoused and becoming homeless with nowhere to go with anyone with whom I could reside. Because of the nature of the damage to my home and the surrounding conditions I found myself in, I also found myself standing only to fall into losing absolutely everything: my honor, my dignity, my safety, and security, as well as my single asset I could bequeath to my now adult son and his family [REDACTED]. But never (NEVER) did anyone minimize my “particular” crisis; I was much respected and quite often comforted because of an understanding of my situation, especially when my unpleasant symptoms and adverse consequences were present and unpalatable.
If it were not for the combination of my professional relationship with Nicole at HIYA Roofing and then those affiliated with Schuylkill Action Committee, it is without a doubt that my greatest nightmare would have come to fruition. There was no way my situation could have been surmountable without all the staff and personnel from both companies coming together to situationally and systematically triage and nurture me and my environment back to stability.
I have come to name my property [REDACTED]. It is the first place of residence I can call home. The kind of home where I am permitted to experience peace and contentment sans egregious uncertainty and horrific abuse. Your program with all the stellar employees has also given me the time to retrieve and resume some assemblance of competence while not having to experience either my home collapsing before my eyes or inhibit my ability to provide my family with an eventual inheritance. Moreover, because of the new dynamics of my life because of my comorbid disabilities, I would not even have the possibility to generate nontraditional, atypical income like becoming a foster parent, opening a gift shop, and/or run a bed and breakfast. As I am unable to use the education and experience from my 25-year career due to said disabilities, I might never have had the option to earn a self-sustaining, self-sufficient income for the remaining years of my life.
[REDACTED] and surrounding communities have also become my home. It is my one desire to contribute to this community in such a way that is meaningful. You all have made this a real, true, viable possibility. The long-term positive ramifications of your assistance will be felt for generations to come. I cannot begin to thank you enough.
Sincerely,
Anonymous
Completed Repairs
Roof Replacement
A completely new roof was installed, including ice and water shields, new white aluminum drip edge, 30-year architectural shingles, and a shingle-over style ridge vent along the main peak.
Bathroom Repairs
To make the bathroom fully functional, we reconnected the supply and drain lines to the toilet, sink, and bathtub.
Safety Installations
- Plug-in type carbon monoxide detector
- Type ABC fire extinguisher
- Four new battery-powered smoke detectors
House Number Installation
A new 3-inch house number was installed to improve visibility and enhance emergency response accessibility.
Eave Repairs
Missing soffit and aluminum fascia were installed on the second-story north side of the house.
Additional Repairs (Not Pictured)
- Electrical Upgrades: Installation of new GFCI receptacles, removal of outdated knob and tube wiring, replacement with romex wiring, and installation of a new dining room ceiling light.
- Dryer Vent: Connected to an existing metal pipe in the basement
- Steel Doors: Installation of two new basement steel doors, complete with keyed entry locksets, deadbolts, new trim, and and fresh paint.
- Interior Handrails: Two 12-foot wooden handrails installed on both attic stairways.
These repairs have made an enormous difference in the homeowner’s life, allowing her to regain a sense of security and plan for the future. We are proud to be part of this meaningful transformation and grateful to our partners for their contributions.
