By Justin Brown, Builders Care
On a Monday morning, more than a week after Hurricane Matthew passed through our area, Builders Care received the following request from JEA:
“I have spoken to your office and I believe they were going to let you know of my request. Our line crew was at this address on Friday night to restore power for Mrs. Hazel Smith, a disabled senior on a fixed disability income.
“Because of the location of the wiring, meter and weather box directly where the tree struck this home, we are unable to restore Mrs. Smith’s power until the repair is made. Mrs. Smith has no resources to make the repair herself.
“One of my colleagues has sent the attached photos just taken at Mrs. Smith’s home. The area is approximately 6’ x 5’. It does appear there may be damage to the eave.
“It would be wonderful if Builders Care would be able to assist this lady with the repairs needed. She has no problem with shingles being a different color than her current roof, she is just desperate for her power to be restored. JEA can restore power as soon as repairs are made.
“Would you please let me know if you would be willing to have a look at this situation and see if you are able to repair the roof? I have personally worked with Builders Care in the past with our Neighborhood Energy Efficiency program, and know what a wonderful job you all do.
“Thank you very much for your consideration and hopefully help for Mrs. Smith.”
Builders Care’s response
After letting her know that day (Monday) we would help and we were scheduling a roofer, I replied the next day with this email:
“The roofer was out there this morning. Mrs. Smith had run out of gas, so the roofer bought enough gas for the generator to hopefully get her through tomorrow. We agreed upon the price and the repairs will be done before tomorrow evening.
“Hopefully you can get her scheduled to have power reconnected Thursday morning.”
Repairs made
On Wednesday, our roofer went out to make the repair, he was finished by 2 p.m. and JEA was informed that Ms. Smith’s home was again ready to be reconnected.
Thank you from JEA
Here is JEA’s thank you to Builders Care:
“Mrs. Hazel Smith’s service was restored last night at 5 p.m. She is very, very happy and deeply grateful for all the help she received.
“I personally want to thank you and your roofing contractor for the time and effort and input that you provided. It is greatly appreciated. Again, thank you, Builders Care and NEFBA for your kind help.”
Help for storm victims
NEFBA’s charitable foundation has agreed to match funds for anyone donating to aid and assist victims of Hurricane Matthew.
Ms. Smith was the first homeowner to benefit from this. Thank you so much to NEFBA for its strong leadership.
For more information, visit Builders Care online at www.builders.care.org, or call (904) 727-3443.