It started with a visit to Springfield’s new ReStore. It ended up being a critical repair to a local widow’s unsafe entry stairs. It was made possible by a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Dayton and Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church’s men’s group.

The widow, a faithful long-time member of a local southside church, was checking out couches at our ReStore when she ran into a staff member who explained to her the store’s mission: All proceeds go to helping Clark County low-income families become first-time homeowners and seniors make critical repairs on their home they otherwise would be unable to make. She inquired further into our critical repair program and put in an application.

She qualified and the repair was added to our list until we were able to find funding to cover the cost of materials. That’s where community-focused Grace Evangelical on the north side of town came in. They inquired about projects that needed funded, then quickly agreed to fund this one.

The result was this check for $999, held here by Grace Senior Pastor Tom Brodbeck and Habitat Faith Relations Associate Kermit Rowe. Our volunteers are now fully empowered to serve this dear lady!

This is a perfect example of how churches can work with Habitat to make the lives of the area’s underserved residents safer and better. If you know of a church, business or volunteer who wants to help with our growing critical repair program, visit us at daytonhabitat.org or call 937-586-0860.