GREENE – Since its inception in 2004, The Impact Project - centralized in Greene but serving areas in both Chenango and Broome Counties - has helped to serve the community by completing home renovations for low-income families and the elderly. Last week, The Impact Project completed its 55th venture.

The Impact Project is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization, which uses funds and services donated by individuals and businesses within the community to complete its projects.

Irma McGowan, 70, submitted an application to The Impact Project initially for assistance with a new roof. Jim Willard, program director and coordinator, said her application for the roof was tabled for a while, as he knew a roof alone wouldn’t be of much help. McGowan is a widow and lost her husband approximately one year ago. She was living in a 50 year old trailer she and her husband had resided in for 40 years. According to Willard, the trailer was in rough shape and needed quite a bit of work, and her request for a new roof was declined.

“We couldn’t walk away from her situation,” said Willard. “The basic necessities in her home were just not sustainable or safe ... it was bad.”

Willard added the pipes were leaking throughout the structure, there was no insulation left, the floor was collapsing and there was no hot water.