WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Needy homeowners gets free repairs

Needy homeowners gets free repairs

By Julie Straw - bio | email

Jackson, MS (WLBT) - Four Jackson homeowners are getting thousands of dollars worth of home repairs for free.  It is part of the Jackson Medical Mall's "Raise The Roof" initiative.

These days many people are having a hard time keeping their homes, let alone keeping them up.  It can be costly and some people are just not able to make the repairs on their own.

"That's who we really want to help, disabled or senior citizens who just really can't afford to maintain their home," said Amia Edwards, the housing specialist for the Medical Mall Foundation.

Members of the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation along with volunteers from local sponsors are tackling big repairs at four homes in the capital city including one on Violet Street.

It's more than just a fresh coat of paint.  Volunteers are giving this house a full renovation including repairing this whole bathroom.  "Oh, it is an easy $15,000," said Edwards of the repair costs. "Easily from the roofing, she needed new decking, painting, the supplies.  She needs new plumbing, new electrical work.  Easily $15,000."

The homeowner is a former nurse who became disabled after a violent car accident.  The house used to be full of people.  Now she lives alone without heating and air conditioning and without the extra cash to make other repairs.

"She was very appreciative.  She said she had been working with a certain organization for 34 years.  She said there were 11 people that lived in this house so she was very appreciative that we're doing this for her," said Charlita Cloman, a volunteer from Regions Bank.

To date volunteers with the raise the roof campaign have renovated 15 homes in Jackson.  

"I love it.  I love giving back with just the charitable and volunteer work and it's awesome," said Brandon Pierce volunteering from BankPlus.

If you would like to donate to the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation call Amia Edwards at (601) 982-8467.