Gwen as a single parent raised her three daughters in Orlando sometimes working two jobs to make ends meet.  If work was available Gwen was willing to take it on including a number of jobs as a delivery truck driver. Today all of Gwen’s children live out of state and have families of their own including her youngest Jauwana who is a sergeant in the U.S. Army serving in Texas (enlisted in 1991).

As you approach Gwen’s house you quickly realize that she has a “green thumb” and despite the fact that she is fully disabled she maintains an impressive garden.  Tropical plants adorn the front of the house creating an attractive entry but upon close inspection you realize that the plants also hide years of water damage.  For example, each year during the rain season, water enters the house by way of the front door. The metal door is now rusted through and needs repair.

Despite her best efforts to maintain her home, Gwen’s disability and fixed income have limited her ability to provide adequate maintenance. These limitations coupled with the exploitation of unscrupulous handymen have left the house in a sad state and today it is neither safe nor dry. 

Despite it all, Gwen is able to smile and clings to the hope that with a little help her house will be a home that her grand children will be happy to visit.  Gwen has faced adversity the greater part of her life and now at 62 years of age she desires and deserves to “age in place” in the house she worked so hard to acquire.

Robert is an Army veteran and is the type of man that everybody in the community knows.  At the drop of a hat Robert will boast of his barbeque skills and his popularity in the neighborhood. He drives and is active in the Amvets veteran organization and the Tangelo Baptist church. At Church, “Brother Washington” leads a youth ministry, a seniors ministry, a nursing home ministry and personally picks up seniors who want to attend church but don’t have transportation.

Mr. and Mrs. Washington are fully disabled.  Robert quickly alerts you to the fact that he has fallen five times and would benefit from a ramp that would enable him to push his wife’s wheel chair through the front door.  Robert’s efforts to keep his house in good shape are obvious.  Although the house needs the addition of safety features and is overdue for a paint job, the front yard and surroundings are kept very tidy.

What’s impressive about the opportunity to work with the Washington’s is that a few small changes can make a major improvement to the overall safety and quality of life of this deserving couple.

Mr. Washington is a very grateful and respectful individual.  He asked that this profile recognize his pastor, Pastor Andrew Pollard, his spiritual advisor Deacon James Moten, Mrs. Mary Bellenger who leads Women’s Ministries at his church and Brother Willie Blackmon who leads Men’s Ministries also at his church. 

Repairs -
Safety is the big concern for the Washington’s.  The entryway needs to be made easily accessed by wheelchair and by foot.  Either a ramp or a change in the grading of the front yard could improve access.  Also, the house needs to be prepared to stand up to the harsh weather often experienced in Central Florida.  This can be accomplished by simply sealing and painting the exterior of the house.