The Impact Project finished their 251st project with four projects at the Benjamins' home in South New Berlin. Front Row: US Navy Veteran Bill Haines, US Marine Veteran Greg Cobb, homeowners Douglas and Mary Benjamin, SFCU Specialized Assistant Rachelle Harrington, SFCU President CEO Jim Reynolds and Curtis Lumber Branch Assistant Manager Andrew Shaffer. Back Row: Impact Project Director Jim Willard, Rose Family Construction Owner Ryan Rose, Volunteer Ariana Barnett, and Rose Family Construction Owner Reid Rose. (Photo by Kelli Miller)

SOUTH NEW BERLIN — The Impact Project is a Christian based not-profit organization dedicated to serving Chenango County and surrounding communities by providing home renovation assistance, financing, and construction.

Although the program has been saving many Chenango County homes with roof repair, bathroom remodels,  handicap accessible ramps, fixing or replacing stairs, furnace repair,  septic repair and replacement of hot water heaters, US Air Force Veteran Douglas Benjamin and his wife Mary had never heard of the Impact Project.

Mary said she had no idea of such a program and was beside herself when a stranger knocked on their door one day to tell them about it.

“It was a few months ago, and the gentleman stopped by to let us know about the Impact Project. His name is T.R. Frank and he had noticed the blue tarps over the roof,” said Mary. “He told us about the program and how it helps homeowners with roof repair.”

“As he was explaining the project, I was only thinking about the roof, not thinking about our other needs of a hot water heater, or handicap ramp,” she said.

Mary said the program was just what they needed because their roof was leaking and had been for many years. It had come to the point where they were talking about moving out because they couldn’t afford a new roof.

A few days later, Frank brought an application to the Benjamins and Mary began filling out the paperwork. They drove the application and supporting documents to Greene and dropped it off with the Impact Project, in hopes of quick processing.

Mary said it was only a couple weeks when they heard back they had been accepted for the project and approved by the Sidney Federal Credit Union (SFCU) for a loan.

The Impact Project Executive Director James Willard III said after reviewing the application, the Benjamins were approved for four projects: remodeling the bathroom with a walk in shower and vanity, adding a hot water heater, replacing the roof, and building a handicap accessible ramp.

Over the course of the following weeks, Willard scheduled in construction companies and subs to begin work at the Benjamins house.

“We had to coordinate the subs and make sure the materials for all four individual projects could be delivered or picked up as needed, it was a lot,” Willard said.

“First we had to start with the roof, because without a roof, you have nothing,” he added.

“All of the workers, they made it all happen,” Willard said. “I’m just a small piece of the puzzle, every person on this project deserves the thank you, they made it happen.”

Willard said the project was their 251st, and gave thanks to everyone involved.

The construction projects were completed on May 2 with a ceremony ribbon cutting at the Benjamin’s new handicap ramp. After the ceremony, Veteran Douglas Benjamin was honored for his military service by US Navy Veteran Bill Haines and US Marine Veteran Greg Cobb.

They thanked Veteran Benjamin for his service and handed him a bible, salute and handshake.

Douglas was beyond thankful and said he had a hard time finding the words to express his gratitude.

“This was God sent,” said Douglas. “The workers were excellent and very courteous. I can’t praise them much more for coming into our lives and doing what they did.”

“It’s so much safer for Mary now,” he added. “ We’re so thankful and if there is anything we can do for you, let us know.”

Mary said she wanted to thank everyone that had been part of the projects because they have all been an important part of her and her husbands life.

“I deeply appreciate what you all have done and I just want to say thank you,” she added.

SFCU President CEO Jim Reynolds was at the ceremony and explained how the credit union became involved with the Impact Project.

“It was through Jim Willard when he reached out and shared some of the stories and what their mission and vision was and so we started our business partnership,” said Reynolds.

“We volunteered on one project and over the last five years we’ve grown more and more acquainted with the Impact Project and recognized there was an opportunity to help individuals that just fall above the ALICE guideline and a potential need for us to step up at a higher level.

He said they started having conversations with the board and all are 100% behind pledging funds.

“As of now, we have pledged up to $300,000 and we also offer a .50 basis point loan interest rates on any opportunities that can help home owners like the Benjamins.”

“Jim Willard has shined a great light on the housing crisis in our county and we’re trying to help out, as Jim says, “One homeowner at a time”.”

Curtis Lumber Branch Assistant Manager Andrew Shaffer said he’s been working with Willard for several years now on Impact Projects.

“Usually when he needs a material list, he gives me a jingle and I work with him and the dispatch office as well, to see what days are available for delivery,” Shaffer explained. “99% of the time we are able to fulfill the list for him.”

Shaffer noted they offer The Impact Project a lower cost on materials as they understand the situation and try to help those in need.

The Impact Project gave thanks to PD's Handyman Services Central NY, Curtis Lumber Company, 1st Choice Roofers and Renovations, Alpine Metal Roofing, The Rose Family Construction, Lowe's Home Improvement, Norwich Tractor, and Sidney Federal Credit Union.

For more information, visit the impactprojectgreene.org or visit their Facebook page at The Impact Project.