Restoring Hope for a Reno, Nevada Couple

Hampered by health issues, Reno, Nevada homeowners Jim and Penny were unable to put in the work necessary to maintain their home’s exterior. “I’ve had cancer three times,” said Penny. “I’ve been sick all my life.”

Penny’s husband Jim has his own obstacles, requiring the use of an oxygen tank as part of his daily life.

Recently, more than 30 Charter volunteers teamed up with Rebuilding Together Sacramento, the affiliate of our national partner Rebuilding Together, and enthusiastically jumped at the opportunity to lend a hand.

 

Replacing a Rotting Fence in Reno

The Reno volunteers worked so efficiently that they completed the rebuild with hours to spare.

For the volunteers at the Saturday morning rebuild, first priority was to replace the rotted and broken fence that lined the backyard. “For me to get down on the ground, just to kneel down, it takes my breath away,” said Jim. “To bend over, I darn near pass out. Ask me to clean a bathtub, I’ll laugh at you because that ain’t going to happen.” The volunteers came to Jim’s rescue and a team led by Charter Area Vice President Chris Hinzmann got to work early, digging out the old fence posts and setting new posts for a brand new fence.

Over the course of the day, volunteers also repaired window screens throughout the home, installed weather stripping around doors and windows, repaired a sliding door, trimmed overgrown bushes and trees throughout the yard, repaired the front walkway, installed a drip irrigation system and put in planter boxes in the backyard.

 

Homeowners Stay Positive Against All Odds

Over the course of the a single Saturday, volunteers rebuilt this home for the Reno couple married 45 years.

“I couldn’t be more proud of team here in Reno,” said Hinzmann. “They really stepped up and were out here bright and early working hard. It’s great to see how enthusiastic Charteremployees are when it comes to making a difference in the communities we serve.”

Jim and Penny couldn’t be more thrilled with the results.

“We just hang in there and keep taking whatever life treats us,” said Jim. “Thank God they gave us Charter to come help us out to do all this work. It’s just a blessing to have people who would do so much for other people who can’t really do it for themselves.”