87-year-old Lillie Montgomery knew she needed help if she was going to get her front porch repaired. The widow of a postal employee, Lillie has kept up the Cleveland Heights home she has lived in for 44 years, but her income wouldn’t stretch far enough to cover the cost of rebuilding the front corner of the porch, constructing new supports, and installing a new floor over the entire porch deck.

Wesley Walker, HRRC’s Senior Repair Specialist, recalls, “This became a true collaborative effort. The City of Cleveland Heights contributed funds from their Violation Repair Program, HRRC used one of our Senior Grants, and Lillie contributed a significant portion herself. By pooling all these resources, Lillie was able to get the repair done.”

HRRC’s help didn’t stop at providing funds, however. Lillie appreciated Wesley’s assistance in getting estimates from contractors, evaluating the bids, managing the work, and reviewing the completed project before payment was made. HRRC’s support left Lillie feeling more confident about the whole process.

Homeowners of all ages can take advantage of HRRC’s financial assistance programs, but seniors get special attention through our Senior Repair Program. For more information, check our website.