For the client, Project Mend-A-House's volunteers offer their skills in a wide range of home care and repair services. It receives referrals from local area agencies and organizations describing a home-repair need of a low-income Prince William County or Manassas resident. One of our volunteers visits the resident's home to assess the size and scope of the job; we then do our best to match volunteers' skills levels with jobs. While we attempt to accommodate as many requests as possible, some jobs-such as a full roof replacement or installation of heating and central air-conditioning-we simply don't have the resources to tackle.

In addition, Project Mend-A-House maintains a "Loan Closet" of items-from air-conditioning units to crutches, from hospital beds to walkers-that our clients may borrow. These items also make it easier for them to go to the grocery store or doctor's office and to get in and out of bed or the bathtub with less effort-in short, to preserve their dignity and independence.

 

OUR WORK HAS IMMEDIATE IMPACT

For our clients, the installation of a ramp may mean the difference between attending necessary physical therapy appointments-or losing that insurance benefit. The removal of overgrowth means a senior who loved gardening can once more enjoy the wildflowers blooming in the yard. And the simple addition of window screens means a visually impaired adult can feel the breeze against her face.

"Our volunteers improve the quality of life of those we serve," says Andrea Saccoccia, executive director of Project Mend-A-House. "These repairs and accessibility modifications allows the elderly, disabled, and low-income residents of Prince William County and greater Manassas continue to live safely and independently and to remain in their own homes. Plus, our services also improve the community, not only by helping people clean up their yards and homes so they are no longer eyesores, but by providing opportunities for our residents to perform community service."

With your donation of time, skills or financial support, Project Mend-A-House can do more. We can help more senior low-income residents stay longer in the homes they love. We can assist the disabled with simple ways to make their home lives safer and more secure. We can provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for adults and young people. And we can improve the quality of life in Prince William County and Manassas for everyone.

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"I don't know how I would have been able to make ends meet without with your program. The help you offer is a godsend for senior citizens who are handicapped and low-income."
Stella
Project Mend-A-Home client