Habitat Sarasota has expanded its housing solutions to include Critical Home Repair for existing, qualified homeowners with emphasis on helping seniors age in place and military veterans.
US Army Veteran, Mr. Bird, reached out to Habitat Sarasota in desperation. With mounting medical bills due to caring for his son’s medical condition and recent auto expenses, limited financial resources and income, the Bird family could not afford a new septic tank and drain field for their home. Things were tough, but they were getting by day-by-day, living in unsanitary conditions with sewage backing up in their home.
The smell of the sewage leaking in their front yard created a situation where the neighbors would no longer speak to them. Tensions were high and they were ashamed and embarrassed because they could not fix their septic problem. Their faith in God and community was all that they had to rely on.
They reached out repeatedly to five other agencies in Sarasota, including veteran service agencies seeking emergency repair assistance. Some did not return his call, they received robo email replies. One agency did reply, but their on-line application was denied because of errors and omissions in completing the application. As described by Mr. Bird, the application process was cumbersome and confusing. They could not reach a live person to figure out how to correct their application and reapply.
At last, after almost giving up hope, someone suggested they call Habitat for Humanity Sarasota, “they are the “real deal” they really do help veterans, they don’t just say that they do.” Habitat Sarasota received their application for assistance and the Bird family now has a new septic tank and drain field.
Their oldest son volunteers on our build sites to give back in show of his appreciation. He also attends Suncoast Technical College where he is learning to be a plumber.
The Bird’s Critical Home Repair was made possible thanks to donations to our Veteran Build Program and the help and caring generosity of the Veteran Honor Guard at Sun N Fun. Please consider supporting Critical Home Repair in our community with your donation today.