Photo by Donovan Roberts Witmer
“Silent Angels” Help Veteran Homeowners with Home Repairs
It takes special kinds of individuals to serve in the armed forces—ones who are willing to risk their lives for their country. Such dedication requires not only sacrifice, but also strength of body, mind and character, which is why it’s so difficult for some veterans to ask for help when they most need it.
Sean Dougherty, a Marine Corps veteran, considers himself a person whose role is that of rendering assistance, rather than requesting it. That was until skin cancer left him too weak to assist his family in their time of need. At that point, something had to give, so Dougherty decided to “let go and let God,” as some say. “Many veterans are so used to being self-sufficient that they are too proud to ask for help. They tend to think that there’s always someone who needs it more,” says Kim Davis, critical home repair coordinator for Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area.
Stage 4 Cancer and an Outpouring of Love
Thanks to a collaboration among The Home Depot Foundation, Habitat for Humanity International and Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Harrisburg Area, the Veteran Repair Corps Program has been helping local veterans with much-needed home repairs since its inception in 2011. According to Davis, the program tackles issues that impact safety, security, energy efficiency and accessibility.
Dougherty, who now serves as pastor at Bethany Mission United Methodist Church in Lebanon, explains why he decided to take advantage of the program. “We have a farm home in Hummelstown that dates back to the 1800s, with post-and-beam construction.” The pastor describes how his teens had to share a bedroom due to black mold that enveloped one of the rooms. At the time, Dougherty was coping with issues much more serious than mold. After suffering from a motorcycle accident, the Hummelstown resident discovered that he had stage four squamous cell cancer. “I had this persistent lump on my neck that was bothering me, and the doctors determined that it is skin cancer that had spread from a primary site in the lymph nodes, or tonsils, to the tongue, esophagus and lungs.” He was forced to face the grim news. “I was told to consider my bucket list because I had between five and eight months to live,” he says.
After dealing with surgeries and radiation treatments, the last thing Dougherty felt capable of was embarking on extensive house repairs. “I thought if only I could just get some help taking down the plaster; I had to get humbled,” he said. When he learned that someone submitted his name to the program, he decided it was time to accept an outstretched hand.
“Habitat gave my home and my family an opportunity to experience a new life the same way God and the doctors gave me a new life.”
“Volunteers came out and gutted the room, patched our roof, repaired the plumbing and so much more. There was such an outpouring of love and support,” Dougherty said. After his diagnosis, Dougherty made a life-changing decision to study at the seminary. He now enjoys giving back to the community through service to the church, and his health has improved dramatically. “I’m doing fantastic health-wise. Habitat gave my home and my family an opportunity to experience a new life the same way God and the doctors gave me a new life. I am able to live robustly in my home the way this old veteran hasn’t been able to do for years,” he says.
Jobless, but Thankful
At the age of 17, Dijuan Barber graduated from Steelton High School and promptly enlisted in the Navy, where he spent several years before his service was cut short due to an accident on the job, which led to a medical discharge. Years later, through no fault of his own, he found himself out of a job once again. The timing couldn’t have been worse. “My air conditioner went out and other things were happening in my house at that time. One day your life just changes,” says Barber, who was put in touch with Davis through the Veterans’ Administration in Camp Hill. Davis rose to the occasion and mustered her trusty team of steadfast volunteers who sprang into action. The group ended up tackling more than a few jobs at Barber’s Harrisburg home, from waterproofing the basement to replacing the furnace and hot water heater, fixing a fan in the bathroom and converting his home from oil to gas heat.
“One day your life just changes.”
They returned later to remove three trees from the property and add mulch and bushes under a separate Home Preservation program that allows for aesthetic work. “A Home Depot employee even made me a Navy plaque made out of a piece of wood with my last name on it to hang on the house,” says Barber.
Many Home Depot employees who volunteer at the construction sites continue on to their regular jobs to work eight-hour shifts afterwards, according to Davis. “Yet they are so cheerful; God is good,” says Barber.
Qualifying for the Program
To qualify for the Veteran Repair Corps Program, individuals must be homeowners with an income at or below 60 percent of the median for the area. Those living in the Harrisburg city limits must be current on all real estate taxes, and every recipient should be prepared to pay a small sum. “For example, if we’re doing $15,000 worth of work, we might only charge $200. We consider it a hand up, not a hand out, and we work with people to spread out payments for those who need it,” says Davis.
Volunteering
Davis is always thankful for the selfless volunteers who dedicate their time and energy. “We call them our quiet angels who work behind the scenes,” she says with a smile.
Those interested in joining the team needn’t worry about having any particular skill set. “We have leaders who provide on-the-job-training,” says Davis, adding that it’s gratifying to see the smiles on the faces of those on both the giving and receiving end.
“I love working with them all and hearing their stories and the jobs the veterans did while serving. They enjoy having someone to talk to, and I take joy in seeing them breathe a sigh of relief when the work is complete,” Davis says, adding, “It’s great to have a part in giving back to those who have given so much.”
To learn more about the program or how you can volunteer, visit harrisburghabitat.org.
