Repairing Homes for Durham Neighbors

November 7, 2024

Home means a lot to us at Durham Habitat, which is why we believe in supporting aging in place for Durham residents. Durham Habitat’s Repairs Program targets specific areas of need that improve the quality of life for existing Durham residents by preventing displacement and maintaining affordable housing stock in our community.  

Theresa Jones has lived in her home for over 20 years and recently had an accident that left her unable to walk. She struggled to get in and out of her bathtub and could not come or go from her house without being carried over the stairs.  Her home is full of memories, but since her injury, the stress of being unable to afford critical home repairs burdens her.

Durham Habitat sprang into action and rebuilt her front stoop, making it flush with the exterior door, and added a ramp to the front entrance, allowing Ms. Jones to come and go independently. 

Not only is the entrance now safer, she is also able to use the ramp platform as outdoor space, greeting friends and neighbors.  Inside, Habitat removed her tub and installed a walk-in shower with grab bars that enabled Ms. Jones to safely transfer in and out of the shower. 

With help from generous supporters like you, Habitat for Humanity of Durham was able to give Theresa‘s home the TLC it needed.  These modifications allow Ms. Jones to continue living in her home and being a part of her neighborhood while staying safe and maintaining her independence.

Thanks to the Durham Habitat repairs program, she can live in a safe, accessible, and healthy Durham home as she ages in place with dignity.  

Addressing critical health and safety issues keeps families in their homes, and also preserves the stock of affordable homes in Durham. And with the average repair project costing $10,000— we do all this for much less than it costs to build a new affordable house.

In fact, Durham Habitat targets specific areas of need that improve the quality of life in Durham by preventing displacement and maintaining affordable housing in our community.

It’s urgent that we get more Durham families off our Critical Repairs wait list and make their homes safe and sound! We can do it with your help!