Help an Adair Park Legacy Neighbor

Hi. Our names are John Sherwood (Brookline St) and Adrian Neely (Pearce St), both long-time neighbors of Adair Park. We have been involved in helping our Senior and Legacy neighbors over the past several years, and especially during our COVID pandemic. Our hope is to help long-term neighbors remain safe, comfortable, and relationally connected for as long as they desire to call AP their home.

 

We were so happy when the Adair Park Housing Relief Fund was established over a year ago. It has been able to help almost 20 neighbors with emergency housing needs. However, the fund aid is limited to $500 per ask.

 

In the process of working with long-term neighbors we have also met a few who have much more significant housing needs. We are creating this GoFundMe to help just such a needy neighbor.

 

What are the Needs?

Cathy James and her family have owned the house at 876 Oakhill Ave since 1974. Her mother, Caretha James, who passed away just last year, was known by neighbors for fostering and caring for many, many kids over many years. Because of disability, Ms. Cathy receives limited income. We have been involved with her for over a year, assessing the needs and preparing for this project.

 

Here are some of the basic repair needs of her home:

• Her house has never had a true HVAC system, and they continue to heat their home with very old gas heaters, and no air conditioning.

• The electric system not only falls below code, but it does not have the capacity for an HVAC system, or even electric space heaters or any AC units. It must be replaced along with smoke detectors,

• An additional room added to the back of the house needs the supporting posts replaced.

• The roof that is leaking into the home needs to be replaced along with ceiling leak repair.

• There are minor repairs needed for a rotting floor and some plumbing changes and a few other miscellaneous projects.

 

We assure you that these are neither cosmetic nor beautification, but basic, needed projects.

 

We have already sought aid for this neighbor from many, many nonprofits and government agencies (and for many months), but at this time most are not even taking applications because of backlog. (We do have one non-profit that has agreed to assist with weatherization and insulation, but only after a number of these more basic repairs are done.)

 

How Much is Needed?

• HVAC System -                                                    $7200

• 200 amp Electrical System -                        $4400

• Wooden post support replacement -     $5000

• Replace roof & ceiling repair -                $13,000

• Various repairs -                                                 $5400

Total Need -                                                          $35,000

 

How will the Fund be Managed?

We are ready for the first major repairs to be done now. Funds will be secured in a bank account until needed. Except for GoFundMe fees, no monies will be used for those who are managing it.  This project has been approved by Adair Park Today, a non-profit organization. We are so grateful for your kind participation.

*Remaining funds after this project is complete will be used for major housing repair for other needy Adair Park neighbors.*