The city of Southfield has coordinated a group of skilled volunteers to help a low-income senior with a physical disability to live safely in her own home. Judy Irwin is a Southfield senior amputee who has been battling diabetes in addition to serious financial problems. As a result of her misfortune, Ms. Irwin’s home has gradually fallen into a state of disrepair that now requires major work to remedy. Due to her physical disability, her home also needs several alterations that will enable her to live safely and self-sufficiently. Staff from the Southfield Building Department became aware of Ms. Irwin’s situation and committed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to assist her. The funds were used to purchase most of the materials needed to repair Ms. Irwin’s home, while volunteers provided the labor free of charge.
Several local unions, builders and suppliers donated their time and talent or goods and supplies to relocate Ms. Irwin’s laundry area from the basement to the first floor, install two new metal insulated doors, new siding, roof repair, and extensive electrical and plumbing work. Volunteers from the United Way – Ray West Memorial Ramp Project constructed a wheelchair-accessible ramp at the entrance of Ms. Irwin’s home. Volunteers from the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 58 completed all of the electrical work and volunteers from the Plumbers Local 98 repaired and updated the plumbing. The carpentry work and roof repairs were completed by Pro Built Custom Building with roofing materials donated by ABC Supply Co. of Southfield.
“The City became aware of Ms. Irwin’s situation and coordinated a team of skilled tradesman who were willing to volunteer their time and talent to help this needy senior citizen,” said Kerry Comerford, city of Southfield assistant building official. “Their efforts have greatly improved the quality of life for Ms. Irwin as well as the curb appeal of the surrounding community.”
Additional work is scheduled to be completed on National Rebuilding Day April 28, 2007 as part of the Rebuilding Together Oakland County (RTOC) initiative, a national non-profit program that has been adapted locally to preserve and revitalize low-income senior and disabled person’s homes. The organization works with corporate sponsors, faith based organizations and municipalities to improve the lives of those in need. This will be the second year that the organization has worked in the city of Southfield. This year, a team of 1400 – 1600 volunteers will work at 30 houses throughout Oakland County, six of which are in Southfield including Ms. Irwin’s.
Irwin falls into a growing category of income-challenged senior citizens, who due to medical issues find it difficult to maintain their homes. The City hopes to assist more residents like Ms. Irwin through the Rebuilding Together Oakland County (RTOC) initiative. The focus is on providing home modifications and repairs and rehabbing homes to help make them safer, more comfortable and improve the quality of life for needy seniors and disabled persons. On National Rebuilding Day more than 240 Rebuilding Together affiliates across the country plan to rally more than a quarter million volunteers to complete the needed work, which is estimated by the organization to have a market value approaching $100 million.
Call Kerry Comerford, Southfield assistant building official and RTOC liaison, at (248) 796-4100 for more information.