Mike Couick
For some of our state’s most vulnerable residents, the stresses of home ownership and upkeep mean that the comforts of home are always just out of reach. Whether it’s a leaky roof, leaking ductwork or nonfunctioning plumbing, the overwhelming costs of making repairs mean that many elderly, disabled and disadvantaged homeowners are living in houses that are not just uncomfortable, but also unhealthy and unsafe.
More than 20 years ago, a South Carolinian named Hank Chardos founded an organization called Home Works of America with the goal of repairing the houses of elderly and disadvantaged homeowners, providing hope and allowing them to safely remain in their homes—think of a Habitat for Humanity program for existing homes. Today, Home Works annually repairs 100 to 130 homes across South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia by coordinating volunteers from local churches, civic clubs and youth groups.
Consider these examples of recent Home Works projects.
In the Pee Dee region, termites had eaten through the floor and subflooring of an elderly lady’s home, essentially confining her to living in the kitchen—the only remotely stable room in her house. If she ventured beyond that space, she feared falling through the floor. During a four-day work blitz, Home Works brought in an expert volunteer contractor who helped jack up the house, so the volunteers could rebuild the entire floor structure.
Down in the Lowcountry, an aging gentleman had been living with nonfunctioning plumbing for years. Every day, he would carry a 5-gallon bucket outside to fill it up at a water spigot. He would then bring it back inside, where he would pour it into his toilet tank for flushing. Through the volunteer efforts of Home Works, this man now has properly functioning plumbing, greatly improving his quality of life.
Home Works is a lean and efficient organization, thanks to executive director Jim Huggins and his team of just six full-time staff. A professional engineer and certified construction manager, Huggins brings 10 years of corporate management experience and eight years of service in the U.S. Navy to ensure that the work is done properly and up to code and that every work site is safe for all involved.
One of the most compelling aspects of Home Works is the way it engages the young people of our state. During busy workdays that often involve roof repair or replacement, building access ramps, or repairing kitchen and bathroom plumbing, there is also a different kind of work happening. With an average of 20 to 40 adult and youth volunteers on site at a time, there are countless development and mentorship opportunities that can transform young lives, says Jim Powell, director of development.
“If you could witness the hope that happens when a youth connects with an elderly homeowner,” Powell says. “That connection is almost more important than the swinging of hammers or scraping of paint.”
Helping neighbors remain safe and comfortable in their homes is important work, and using the opportunity to inspire compassion and understanding in future generations is strengthening our communities in ways we can’t even imagine. Home Works is a shining example of what can happen when local people band together to build a better state.
If you know of other organizations working locally to solve problems and improve the lives of neighbors, please write to connections@ecsc.org, or Connections, 808 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033.
How you can help
For more information on Home Works, call (803) 781-4536 or visit homeworksofamerica.org.
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Write Us
Are you part of a community initiative? Share your story with the readers of South Carolina Living. Write to:
Connections
The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina
808 Knox Abbott Drive Cayce, SC 29033
Email: connections@ecsc.org
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