Special to Realty/Builder Connection
Elizabeth Devore returned home after a one-month absence. While she was staying with a daughter on the Westside, Builders Care and numerous volunteers worked to make her home habitable.
Her homecoming was emotional, not only for her, but for the gathering of volunteers, family and friends whose efforts made it possible.
Arriving in a chauffeur-driven limousine courtesy of Carey Transportation of Jacksonville, the 77-year-old Devore initially was speechless.
After a tour of her refurbished home, Devore told well-wishers she was “nervous, blessed and happy.”
Devore is typical of the homeowners who benefit from the efforts of the Northeast Florida Builders Association community outreach program, Builders Care. Living alone, she was unable to make necessary repairs and perform routine maintenance on her home. She was reluctant to ask for help for fear of losing her home and her independence.
Her roof had given way in several rooms, particularly the bathroom and kitchen. The bathtub had filled with leaves. The bathroom floor was caving in around the toilet and bathtub. There were holes in the kitchen floor. She was forced to close off rooms as they became too unsafe to enter. Her small home became even smaller.
“Many of the people we help are in similar situations,” said Chris Simons, Builders Care project superintendent. “It’s hard to imagine what that must be like - to be so afraid of losing your home and your security that you can’t tell anyone how bad conditions are. Builders Care has been able to repair Mrs. Devore’s home and restore her dignity, with the help of volunteers and donations from the community.”
Builders Care workers and volunteers repaired the roof and floor and installed a new bathroom and new kitchen. The home was painted inside and out. Lumber Unlimited provided much of the construction material required for the project.
“The results here are dramatic,” said Builders Care Executive Director Bill Wilson. “Mrs. Devore’s home was one of our most challenging. Usually we are able to make repairs while the homeowner remains in the home. Here, we were not able to do that. It was a real challenge to finish this home in time for her homecoming. We had workers here late Friday night and early Saturday morning to ensure everything was completed on time.”
It was a regular Builders Care Volunteer Day and an estimated 150 volunteers helped put the finishing touches on the home including designers from Sisler- Johnston Interior Design, who furnish private residences and many model homes for area builders. Furnishings for the home were provided by Sisler-Johnston, Arvida Homes, Brylen Custom Homes and individual contributions from the community.
Volunteers put the finishing touches inside the home by installing window treatments, arranging furniture and kitchen items. Outside, volunteers planted a garden around the front of the home and installed a new mailbox.
Representatives of area companies and churches participated including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Lakeshore Church of Christ, Celebration Church, Commercial Real Estate Women, M-Fuge, Merrill-Lynch and others. Bono’s Barbecue catered a picnic in the backyard for the family and volunteers.
“Unfortunately, there are many more homes in and around Jacksonville in a similar condition,” Wilson said. “We invite volunteers to join us in making a big difference in someone’s life the third Saturday of each month. All you need is a willingness to pitch in and a desire to see the look of joy on a ‘grandma’s’ face when she is able to live in her home again with pride and dignity.”