Firms join to help fix homes

Wednesday, September 05, 2007
By JOHN PECKTimes Staff Writer john.peck@htimes.com
Professionals to aid volunteers in city's repair plan
A volunteer-based emergency home repair program in Huntsville is getting some expert help from the construction industry, a move that should boost the number of homes getting repairs.
Turner Universal, along with M&D Mechanical in Decatur, agreed to join hands with Huntsville's Community Development Department by providing skilled laborers at company expense.

Mayor Loretta Spencer visited a northwest Huntsville home-repair job Tuesday to thank Turner workers and commend program organizers for their outreach. Workers were installing siding on a house owned by an elderly person on Del Norte Street.
The emergency home repair program in Huntsville began in 2004. Community Development partners with local churches and volunteer groups and uses grants and other resources to obtain building supplies. The program is for low income, elderly and disabled homeowners aimed at removing health and safety hazards.
"I have had the opportunity to see first hand many of the repair projects and visit with the homeowners and volunteers," Spencer said. "We are very fortunate to have so many people in our community who are willing to invest their time and hard work to benefit others."
The emergency home repair program has completed 108 exterior home repair jobs this year using 900 volunteers.
Rosa Wade and Rodney McCallie with the city's Community Development Department said having skilled help will help tackle larger jobs and those requiring specialized skills such as steep roofs and handicapped features that must meet federal standards. The program has a target of 200 homes this year.
Lorraine Lee, president of Associated Builders and Contractors Inc., of which Turner and M&G are members, said more contractors may furnish laborers as word of the partnership spreads.
"Not only are we able to help individual homeowners by bringing the structure from substandard to habitable condition, we're also able to give back to the community," she said.