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home preservation
Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH)'s home preservation program provides affordable micro-loans to qualifying homeowners who need help with accessibility modifications, home weatherization, general home repairs, yard cleanup, and landscaping. Some critical repair work and larger loans are available on a case-by-case basis. GSHFH works alongside volunteers and homeowners to make repairs.
A close-up view of the moss that was power washed off the roof of the Wiggins' Monson home.
Meet The Wiggins
In September 2021, Purple Heart Homes, a veterans-services agency that focuses on housing solutions, asked Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH), a nonprofit and nongovernmental organization, if it would like to collaborate on a home preservation project. Peter, a retired Army National Guard staff sergeant and his wife, Beth, purchased a duplex in Monson three years ago. They live in one unit. Beth’s daughter and young son live in the other residence. Both units needed repair. Greater Springfield Habitat sent staff to assess the three areas of concern – a moss-spotted roof, broken water heater in the daughter’s unit, and damaged exterior doors at both dwellings. The roof, siding, and water heater issues were addressed in December. The moss-spotted roof had several bowed shingles that began to lift. If left untreated, the roof would need to be replaced in three years. While replacement will be necessary down the line, a pressure wash took care of the immediate concern. West Springfield’s Clean Machine Power Wash performed the work and also power washed the siding and porches. A Proline 40-gallon water heater replaced the broken appliance. Exterior doors for side entrances and the basement were replaced. Previous doors weren’t correctly sealed and allowed drafts and a hollow interior door had been used as an exterior door.
The Wiggins' house before (left) and after the siding was power washed by West Springfield’s Clean Machine Power Wash.
The back of the Wiggins' Monson home following a power wash of the family's roof and siding.
Top: Crystal and her daughters pose on the finished side deck. Above: The finished flooring in the kitchen, entryway, and living area.
Meet Ms. Rondeau
Crystal said she is not used to asking for help. She is the helper. She gives to others. But when Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) offered assistance to improve the function and quality of her Monson home, it was not an opportunity Crystal could refuse. After all, it’s been a challenging year and one that began with a stage 3 cancer diagnosis.
GSHFH assessed the home and necessary repairs this past spring and devised a two-part plan. First, and in the weeks that followed, the Habitat construction crew replaced the linoleum and carpet throughout the entryway, living room, kitchen, and hallway with wood laminate. Crystal, who also lives with a neurological disorder that has weakened the right side of her body, said the change in flooring often presented a tripping hazard. As a result, she’s broken several bones in both feet. The new flooring offers a consistent smooth surface throughout the downstairs living area. Part two of the project began Oct. 12 when Triple S Construction began working on the exterior projects. The company will replace three exterior doors, and the decking and stairs to the front and side entryway. They will also widen the side entryway so should Crystal need to put down groceries she’s carrying into the house, there’s space for her to do that. To read more of Crystal's story, go to Crystal's story.
Top left: the old front stairs. Top right: the new front stairs
Left: the new side deck. Top middle: the old side entrance. Top right: the new side entrance with a hand rail and deck.