The Caring Effect Reveals Low Income Homeowner Needs and How to Help

A Recent Radio Show Shared the Story of a Homeowner in Need and an Organization that Provides Home Improvement Help
By: Beth Ulrich
 
March 26, 2012 - PRLog -- via AllPresswire.com - The Caring Effect is a Minnesota nonprofit that shares the real life stories of people who need help, via the organization’s website and online radio show. The most recent show, called Rebuilding and Revitalizing Community, covered the plight of homeowners who are experiencing hard times, and how they can get assistance. The show is available for listening at any time on The Caring Effect website.

The show featured three guests: a recipient of a low income assistance program, a volunteer from a Minneapolis, MN organization called HomeWorks, and the Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Twin Cities.

The show’s host, Beth Ulrich, is the Founder and President of The Caring Effect. She has found that often an illness in the family precedes a time of financial difficulty that can result in a home falling into disrepair. When families are left with large medical bills or other financial strain, they may no longer have the ability to manage repairs, painting and home maintenance, and may also struggle to keep their home.

Harry Broadfoot was one such homeowner. A variety of circumstances, including the economic downturn and a personal health crisis resulted in Harry’s home needing upkeep he was unable to manage. He went in search of home improvement help, which he was able to obtain through the organization Rebuilding Together of the Twin Cities.

Executive Director Kathy Greiner said, “Rebuilding Together works with low income homeowners to help people who already own a home to take care of repairs that they have let slip so they can feel proud of their home again and proud of their neighborhood. We do that with volunteer labor and hire contractors when we need to.”

The organization was able to put together the resources needed to help Harry restore his house to a safe and well-kept living space, including many repairs and a new furnace. “When all the volunteers showed up, I cried,” Harry said. “It’s humbling. But sometimes you have to drop the false pride and let people know that ‘Hey, things haven’t worked out the way I hoped and I need some help.’”

Another guest on the show, Eric Beitzel, is a volunteer with the Urban Neighbor program developed by Urban HomeWorks, a faith based organization that provides low income housing and volunteer opportunities. Erik has seen many families hovering on the verge of homelessness who are able to get the assistance they need. “Urban HomeWorks does a lot on many different levels,” Erik said. “They provide dignified housing to low-income families, on-site job training for young people,” and more.

Those who want to donate or volunteer can find many opportunities on The Caring Effect website. Simply click “Find Out How” on the organization’s home page, and then click the Give Time or Give Money link to search for the right opportunity.

“There are tons of different ways people can make a difference,” Beth said. She described learning about a family whose only furniture items were the mattresses on the floor where their children sleep. An organization called Bridging collects functional used furniture for families like these.

Kathy shared that Rebuilding Together is always looking for both skilled and unskilled volunteer workers, including electricians and anyone who can donate some time. There is always a fitting opportunity, “even if you don’t know which end of the hammer to pick up!”

To listen to the Rebuilding and Revitalizing Community radio show, visit The Caring Effect website.

About The Caring Effect :

The mission of The Caring Effect is to share the stories of people who need help with those who want to make a difference, and help them share their resources of time and money with those in need. The Caring Effect can be reached at 952-491-0225. Or visit http://www.thecaringeffect.org.
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Source:Beth Ulrich
Email:***@allpresswire.com Email Verified
Zip:55305
Tags:Minnesota nonprofit, Minnesota charities, Minneapolis, St Paul, Twin Cities, mn, Low Income, Home Improvement Help
Industry:Family, Non-profit, Home
Location:Minneapolis - Minnesota - United States
Subject:Services
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