Mother and Son Benefit From ‘Rebuilding Together’ Project
Morgan Hill – The Morgan Hill residence of Wolf and Joanne O’Brien was buzzing with life Saturday morning as volunteers from Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley applied fresh paint to the railing and busily put down carpet on the steps of the home.
The volunteers, who had been working since 7:30am, brought smiles and hope to the low-income mother and son, whose disabilities make the necessary repairs impossible to do themselves.
According to Wolf, a mobile homeowner for seven years, the project helped him have a safer home for him and his mother, but also improved Joanne’s mental health.
The 73-year-old woman has suffered a number of strokes in the past four years and is partially paralyzed. She has been living in the home on Burnett Avenue without wheelchair accessibility or the income to help her change her situation.
Wolf also suffers from disabilities from a broken neck and now serves as her full-time care giver. Despite his ailments, Wolf says he loves taking care of his mother, saying that he “promised her” he would stand by her. Because of his own experience he knows “how hard it is to overcome not being independent.”
The two, who live on Joanne’s meager social security income, have struggled to survive. With most of their income going to cover Joanne’s medical expenses and daily care they’re unable to make the needed home repairs. Without the time, money and physical labor required, their residence had become more of a hazard than a home.
Beverly Jackson, executive director of Rebuilding Together, says the project’s mission is to make sure low-income homeowners are provided with “warmth and safety.”
When volunteers first started working on the O’Brien home they saw that it was worn from age and lack of repair. The appliances were badly damaged and the paint was peeling off the walls.
The mobile home, which was not structurally made for wheelchair access, had left Joanne a virtual prisoner in her home. Now, less than a month since Wolf called Rebuilding Together, their house has become a home completely refurnished with wheelchair accessibility and a built-in wheelchair lift.
The organization also took the time to give a new lease on life to the O’Brien’s living space, by painting the walls and providing new appliances.
Wolf said the project has “revitalized my mother’s spirit and brought a smile on her face, that I have hardly seen since her stroke. It definitely has changed our lives, and we are so grateful for the support.”
Because of the work of the nonprofit organization, Wolf said his mother’s attitude has improved and has become motivated to go to therapy and live.
Jackson says, “You’d be surprised what a reaction can come from just a fresh paint job.”
But to Joanne and Wolf the help they have received has been a “true blessing” that goes way beyond a new home.
The volunteers, who come from all walks of life, range from religious groups, corporations, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to the average person who wants to contribute.
Charlie, a volunteer from Craftsmen for Christ, who worked on Joanne and Wolf’s home, commented, “I can get far more people to come and volunteer to rebuild, than if we had actually paid them.”
The organization brought back humanity into 30 homes and five community facilities that lacked community support, Jackson said, adding that it’s the “goodwill towards your neighbors that keeps Rebuilding Together working.”
Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley performed the acts of goodwill during its annual rebuilding days April 22- 29. An estimated 1200 – 1400 community volunteers performed countless chores and repairs to ensure low-income seniors and people with disabilities can live in warmth, safety and independence.
Sponsored by Silicon Valley businesses and organizations, volunteers complete all repairs and improvements at no charge to the eligible recipient. In addition to the volunteer labor, all materials are either donated by businesses and individuals, or are paid for though donations to Rebuilding Together.
