Elderly special ed teacher needs a new roof
Donation protected
Ms. Gwen is an elderly special education teacher and home instructor who lacks the funds to fix her roof that has been leaking for several years. The pandemic's economic crisis has drastically cut into her savings and income. We're encouraging friends, neighbors, and angels to please help this native Oaklander replace her roof.
Ms. Gwen has lived on the same street since 1951, first with her parents, then two houses down in her current home with her husband, a now deceased Vietnam vet. Since her parents, siblings and son have also passed away, she has no relatives left nearby. Her scant remaining family still provides whatever precious help is possible from afar, but Ms Gwen has been struggling to make ends meet, even though she works hard as a special needs educator. She is an inspiring and lovable neighbor and it’s always a treat to be greeted by her smile and friendly conversations.
In this difficult year for so many, we’ve been growingly concerned about Ms. Gwen’s strained income and her inability to take care of much needed maintenance on her home. At first, we took matters in our own hands, by attending to the most urgent matter of rebuilding her dangerously weather-damaged and unstable front porch. However, her roof has been leaking in her kitchen for years, and has now started to leak in other areas of her home. We have tried our best to help fix it, but given its present condition, the roof needs to be attended by professional roofers.
The third and top layer of the roof dates back to 1968, so it is not an option to salvage it by adding yet another layer. The existing roof needs to be completely stripped, then plywood, a weatherproof membrane and shingles installed. So far, estimates by professional roofing companies approximate $17,000. To that, it would be prudent to plan for the likely extra cost to properly reinforce any decaying roof support structure.
We would be extremely grateful for any help you can offer, big or small, so we can keep this deserving elderly teacher dry and safe in her home, so she can safely continue her dedicated service to children and families.
Ms. Gwen has lived on the same street since 1951, first with her parents, then two houses down in her current home with her husband, a now deceased Vietnam vet. Since her parents, siblings and son have also passed away, she has no relatives left nearby. Her scant remaining family still provides whatever precious help is possible from afar, but Ms Gwen has been struggling to make ends meet, even though she works hard as a special needs educator. She is an inspiring and lovable neighbor and it’s always a treat to be greeted by her smile and friendly conversations.
In this difficult year for so many, we’ve been growingly concerned about Ms. Gwen’s strained income and her inability to take care of much needed maintenance on her home. At first, we took matters in our own hands, by attending to the most urgent matter of rebuilding her dangerously weather-damaged and unstable front porch. However, her roof has been leaking in her kitchen for years, and has now started to leak in other areas of her home. We have tried our best to help fix it, but given its present condition, the roof needs to be attended by professional roofers.
The third and top layer of the roof dates back to 1968, so it is not an option to salvage it by adding yet another layer. The existing roof needs to be completely stripped, then plywood, a weatherproof membrane and shingles installed. So far, estimates by professional roofing companies approximate $17,000. To that, it would be prudent to plan for the likely extra cost to properly reinforce any decaying roof support structure.
We would be extremely grateful for any help you can offer, big or small, so we can keep this deserving elderly teacher dry and safe in her home, so she can safely continue her dedicated service to children and families.
Organizer
Helping Ms Gwen
Organizer
Oakland, CA