The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are.
-Maya Angelou

December 21, 2021 · Written By Eric L. Bucey

Twenty years ago, Susi became a first-time homeowner with assistance from HOPE, Inc.’s predecessor, Mountain Shelter. Susi, a single mom, and her then 9-year-old daughter had lived in 7 different rental properties. Her new home fulfilled a dream of safe, stable shelter where her daughter could finally paint her room orange and get a dog. In August of this year the roof began leaking and water was sieving through her ceiling fan.

Now over 70, dealing with chronic health conditions and living on a fixed income, the leaking roof and water damage heightened an already declining sense of safety. The house had been heated using space heaters for years, requiring constant diligence. Susi felt anxious about a potential house fire. She began calling roofers and collecting quotes. The new roof, however, would cost $7,000 and required a cash payment. No payment terms were available.

Susi Lawson is a local Fine Art Photographer

Susi reached out to Andy Kegley, who had assisted her 20 years ago, and Andy connected her with HOPE, Inc. Housing Counselor Jordan Atwood. Jordan completed an initial intake assessment, provided HUD Non-Delinquent Post Purchase counseling services, and determined Susi was eligible for a $10,000 Rural Development 504 Home Repair Grant.

Living in the town of Wytheville, Susi is amongst 22% of Wythe County residents aged 65 or older. A low per capita income of $27,381 combined with 78% of residents living in owner occupied homes suggests Susi’s circumstance is not isolated. The Rural development 504 Home Repair program provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards. Nationally the safety and appropriateness of housing stock where older Americans live is of growing concern.

Jordan packaged Susi’s entire Rural Development application, and Susi did her part. She was committed to improving her substandard living conditions. She also wasn’t afraid to ask for help. Susi said working with Jordan and the Rural Development staff was “heartwarming.” She combined the 504 loan with $1,400 of her own money, replacing the leaking roof with a shiny blue 40 year metal roof. She ditched the space heaters for a modern, energy efficient mini-split HVAC system. Like the shepherds quietly watching over their sleeping flock, Susi now feels a sense of warmth and peace that comes with safe, secure, and positive shelter.

Susi’s new roof with funding from USDA Rural Development

“It’s nice to wake up warm, and I feel blessed to be on the other side.” Susi worries her neighbors may look at her oddly. She often stands in the yard gazing at her new roof. Feeling more optimistic and grateful to be part of HOPE, Inc.’s family, she’s taking steps to be more proactive with her health, scheduling more doctors’ appointments and staying on top of her treatment. She’s also pursuing new ideas for her freelance photography business.

Everyone at HOPE admires Susi’s humility and determination. Susi urges others in a similar situation not to be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. “You don’t see an ability to get out of a situation yourself. Worrying doesn’t help. You have to ask.” She assures others they’ll be treated well, just reach out to Jordan at 276–228–5280 x254. Jordan provides Housing Counseling to 150–200 clients annually. He spends his work days guiding others toward safe, stable homeownership and home repair paths.

Originally published at https://wythehope.salsalabs.org.