Chenango County Habitat for Humanity volunteers gave a home a new metal roof for a Bainbridge couple. 
(Photos by Tom Murray)

BAINBRIDGE – Chenango County Habitat for Humanity (CCHH), a not-for-profit organization, handled a small works project that had a big impact on a Chenango couple who really needed a helping hand. Also, CCHH gears up for their next large project.

A husband and wife, residing in Bainbridge, were struggling to afford a critical fix to their home. Both also have medical challenges making self-repair difficult.

The roof was leaking and needed repair which they could neither do themselves nor afford to do. They had been given some metal roofing but needed help to install it. CCHH volunteers came to their aid.

The pair applied and was approved by the CCHH family selection committee by need and by income. The Habitat team had three volunteers at different times. It took six, nine-hour-long, days to complete the project. The project managers traveled to Bainbridge from Earlville and Oxford every day. CCHH supplied the additional needed materials (screws, flashing, pipe boots, ridge cap, etc.), at a cost of approximately $2,000, which the couple will have to repay. With a new roof over their heads, their life has at least one less worry.

Habitat for Humanity states it offers people “a hand up, not a handout.”

CCHH homes and small works projects are primarily built with volunteer help, significantly reducing the overall cost. The affordability of these projects is made through Habitat’s Home Repair program of not charging for labor and a zero percent interest loan. (They handle repairs up to $3500.) House payments fund future homes for other partner families; a most exciting means of growth.

Applications are now being accepted for a new house build in Sherburne. Visit habitat.chenango.org for more details.

Your donations help Habitat make dreams come true by helping to provide affordable housing to families in Chenango County. Donate your bottles and cans in the Habitat Bottle Shed at 140 County Road 44, Norwich.

Make 2021 the year you try volunteering! To be a part of the next CCHH house construction, or if you can contribute any time or materials, contact Sandra Colton at (607) 334-7492; email: mykatydid50@yahoo.com  Put “Habitat” as the subject.