Cheers to a Year of Homes Stabilized
As this year draws to a close, we would like to raise a glass to the positive difference you helped us to make for local families living in unsafe and unhealthy homes. Thanks to you, 50 neighbors in need confront this winter in warmer, safer and healthier homes. As our small gift to you, here are a few of the special homes touched by our supporters and volunteers this year.
A Grandfather's Wish Answered
Enid & Jesus are a couple in their 30s living in Enfield, CT. They have a daughter and a 14-year-old son, Carlos. Carlos is 80% blind and has cerebral palsy. When we met them, Jesus had cuts on his leg from attempting to help his son out the front door. Enid’s father was extremely close to his grandkids and helped out regularly. Last winter, Enid’s dad developed a very sudden onset, serious medical issue. One of the last conversations Enid had with Carlos' grandfather was when she told him that HomeFront had chosen them to install a wheelchair ramp for Carlos! He was overjoyed.
Thanks to individual donors, a grant and volunteers from St. Raymond of Peñafort parish, the family received their ramp, plus a new deck and railings in back so Carlos could enjoy the fresh air, widened doorways, grab bars, fencing, roof repair and yard work. While the volunteers were hard at work, Enid shared that Carlos’ birthday was in a few days and his ramp was going to be the best gift imaginable!
Assembling Carlos' Birthday gift.
Thanks to individual donors, a grant and volunteers from St. Raymond of Peñafort parish, the family received their ramp, plus a new deck and railings in back so Carlos could enjoy the fresh air, widened doorways, grab bars, fencing, roof repair and yard work. While the volunteers were hard at work, Enid shared that Carlos’ birthday was in a few days and his ramp was going to be the best gift imaginable!
Enid’s family may be in the Spring or Summer of their lives, but they remind us that our communities are filled with neighbors in other seasons too: seasons of giving and receiving. Having received this gift, Enid is now the first volunteer signed up to join the group who helped her when they work with us in Spring 2025. She also wants to cook for the volunteers, adding, “I want to help them bring this joy and blessing to other homes.”
CPR to the Rescue for Cold Homes This Winter
Some of the most haunting calls we receive are from deserving families with no heat. Firefighters warn of increased risks when families use kitchen ovens to warm their home. HomeFront received an emergency call from Denise in Stamford this past winter.
Denise is 65-years-old. She still works hard and cares for her sister, Kamilah who is debilitated by cervical stenosis, chronic pain and multiple other health issues. The last thing they needed was for their gas furnace to die on them. Luckily, for this family, HomeFront helps families year-round through our Critical Pro Repair (CPR) service.
Many neighbors in need have urgent needs that can’t wait for the next HomeFront Day. And many more have important needs that don’t require a large group of volunteers. Thanks to donors to our appeal and a grant, HomeFront staff were able to tackle this case. We delivered space heaters while reaching out to pros and skilled volunteers. In no time, we had a new gas furnace installed for Denise.
Together, We Can Shape Our Communities in 2025
For every family like Enid and Denise, HomeFront has nine more counting on us for help. Requests have come from older adults and persons with disabilities, as well as veterans, single-parent households and families in crisis due to illness or job loss. We thank those who have already generously supported our year-end campaign. This is the perfect time of year for a gift of any amount to help us to warm up more homes in need this winter and deliver health & safety improvements right in your backyard. As you know, HomeFront doubles the impact of every dollar donated through the volunteer labor, donated and discounted materials and every community kindness that we marshal.
We cannot wait to share with you the stories of struggling neighbors who got a major boost because of you. From their homes to yours we wish you all the blessings that matter in 2025!
