Prayers Answered in Michigan

Ninety-year-old Louise Mills, of Davison, Michigan, has lived in her home for over forty years. She says that while the house is “nothing fancy,” it’s home to her. And now, her prayers have been answered with the help of Charter our Community volunteers.

 

Homeowners Louise and David take stock of the work being done

 

Louise’s son David, a disabled United States Navyveteran who served during the first Gulf War, has lived with her for more than a decade. But between the two of them due to financial and physical hardships – her son has had a recent bout of surgeries – even some of the most simple home repair tasks have become impossible. Over the years, they have seen their home fall into a state of disrepair.

Lord, can we please get this place fixed up somehow?

The tolls of Michigan weather had eroded the concrete slab on the front porch to the point where neither Louise nor her son had been able to use it for years. In fact, more and more of the home had become less and less usable and it had gotten to the point where many others might have given up.

 

Keeping the Faith

Charter our Community volunteers pose for a group photo

However, Louise is not the kind of person who gives up. She always had faith that somehow the repairs would happen. “I have a swing underneath my carport and I sit there and pray. I would, say ‘Lord, can we please get this place fixed up somehow?'”

Louise had her prayers answered this past Septemberduring Charter our Community’s very first Michigan project.  Thirty Charter Communications and Rebuilding Together Oakland County volunteers were able to provide many critical home repairs and improvements for Louise and her son David.

This whole thing just dropped into my lap, and I am so grateful.

Both exterior and interior walls were painted, windows replaced, bathroom fixtures updated, a new washer and dryer were installed, the attached carport was repaired, a backyard fence section that had been damaged by a falling tree was fixed and that eroded porch was replaced with a brand-new deck and ramp.

“I didn’t even know something like this existed”, said Louise of Rebuilding Together and Charter our Community. “This whole thing just dropped into my lap, and I am so grateful.”

 

(Far Left, Far Right) Rebuilding Together's Al and Kirt with homeowners Louise and David (middle)

Charter Communications volunteer Dave works on the ramp

(L-R) Charter volunteers Bill, Jason and Matt lay ramp decking

(L-R) Charter our Community volunteers Bill and Matt cut wood for the ramp

Charter Communications volunteers finish up the ramp

Charter our Community volunteers replace the soffit and facia

A list of the work that will be done on the house

Rebuilding Together Oakland County Executive Director Al trims the tree

Charter our Community volunteers pose for a quick photo

Charter volunteers repair the carport

Charter Communications volunteer Martin helps paint the outside of the house

Charter volunteer Dave paints the exterior of the house

(L-R) Charter Communications volunteers Andrea and Julie paint one of the rooms

Charter volunteer Sue paints an interior wall

The new washer and dryer donated to the homeowners