In mid-2015, we approved a project for a couple in Cary with immediate and long-term needs.  The husband has cancer and the wife works two jobs.   The couple did not have hot water or a working bathroom.  At that time, we took care of the immediate needs by providing hot water and a new bathroom.  

At our meeting on February 1, 2016, we approved an essential, additional  project to address the long-term needs which required a complete renovation of the small home.  In April, we began demolition and brought the 3-room cottage and kitchen down to the studs. We recently completed the following: 

• Licensed electricians completed a rewiring of the obsolete electrical and lighting systems, and the exterior electrical done to permit overhead utility hook-up without the need for very expensive trenching.  

• The walls and ceilings were newly-insulated. All the walls and the ceilings were newly drywalled. Window trim and floor moldings were installed.  The interior walls, ceilings and trim were all freshly painted.

• Some important carpentry work was done to provide laundry and closet space, and to divide the kitchen and living space.   

• The kitchen was completely redone with cabinets, countertops and sink.  We were able to obtain sharply-discounted appliances to replace the old stove and refrigerator.  

• New floors were installed in the kitchen and living room with carpeting used in the two other rooms.

• Plumbing work was done in the kitchen and in the laundry area which we equipped with a washer and dryer.  Heating vents were cleaned, cold air returns reestablished, and the existing furnace serviced.   

Our wor k was substantially done by volunteers  who committed 490 hours to help this very needy couple.  While we were working on the home, the husband received the organ  donation and the surgery he needed....he was able to return from the hospital to his "new" home. 

 

We particularly want to recognize the generous, volunteer assistance of ABC Plumbing, Heating and Electric of Arlington, Heights and electrician Tom Leonard, who devoted two, long Sundays and materials to help the family. 

 

 

At our May board meeting, we reviewed an application from a family in Chemung, Illinois, which is near Harvard.  While the location was at the edge of our geographical scope, the family circumstances and needs were compelling. As a result, the Board agreed to accept the application for further consideration.  

The husband suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of a sudden medical attack. He has been completely bedridden and effectively paralyzed from the injury.  While his wife works, their financial situation is such that they are not in a position to do the necessary repairs to their home.  We visited the couple, reviewed their repair needs, and determined the scope of essential work and related budget.  

In mid-August, we sent out a "Save-the-Date" email request to our volunteers for a work-weekend on September 10 and 11.  Thankfully, we received an amazing response. We had 30 volunteers come and help us! They had a mix of all skill levels and were able to accomplish quite a bit on our project goals, including both interior and exterior work.  In late September, we had another volunteer weekend for this project. 

Our volunteers:

• Remediated severe structural issues.
• Built a new deck to permit more outside access for the husband, 
• Completed the exterior siding. 
• Provided heating to eliminate a frozen pipe problem in the laundry area,
• Installed new flooring.
• Completed drywall repairs.  
• Addressed the sump pump issues.
• Completed a major exterior clean-up.   

We completed our project for the family in North Barrington, whose mother lost her battle from an aggressive cancer.  She wished to have a play area for her children and a bedroom and bathroom for her son. 

 

Our project was to take the raw basement space and turn that into a bedroom, bathroom, and family area.  While a substantial part of the project was completed earlier this year, we have finalized the remaining details. Take a look at our website for additional photos. 

We are currently in the process of determining the "scope of work" and the appropriate budgets for the final Board review of two applications; one from Barrington and one from Cary. The Barrington project work has started! On November 25 and 26 we had a "Demolition Weekend" with 20 volunteers.