Partnership secures grants for home repairs

Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and the St. Johns Housing Partnership worked to repair storm damage caused to a West Augustine home in St. Johns County recently, according to a report received by Historic City News.

The home belongs to Betty Anderson (60 years old) and her husband, Edward Anderson (74 years old), and was in a state of serious disrepair.

“The community surrounding the Anderson’s brought this to the attention of the St. Johns Housing Partnership and the organization reacted by completing an assessment of the residence,” Catherine Patrick, a spokesperson for the organization told local reporters. “Volunteers worked through the week to repair the extensive structural damage to the mobile home and to build wheelchair ramps to provide access to the Anderson’s.”

Funding for this project was provided by Buckingham Smith Benevolent Association.

The St. Johns Housing Partnership has secured grant funding through the association to work specifically in West Augustine for lower income families with home modifications, accessibility, and safety issues. The grant specifically provides provisions for home repairs to manufactured homes and provides emergency funding for damages caused by natural disasters.

“Without this funding and the community’s ongoing support it would be difficult to improve the quality of life for individuals like the Anderson’s,” Patrick added.

The volunteers on site were enthusiastic about the project. One stated, “It is great to help people in need. I have known the Anderson’s for a long time and I am glad to see this home in better condition for their sake.”