For 3 years Sea Island Habitat for Humanity (SIHH) has been steadily growing their Critical Home Repair Program to address the ongoing need in the community for safe and affordable housing. Through roof, door, window, and accessibility repair projects, SIHH has completed almost 400 critical repairs on owner-occupied houses. 100% of these repairs have been for those living at or below the poverty level and 85% have been for senior citizens allowing them to safely age in place.
However, the waiting list of applications has grown steadily due to immense community need. In addition, the impacts of COVID-19 created significant delays with a partial shutdown of operations in 2020, an 85% decrease in volunteers, and a steep increase in lumber and material costs.
The most pressing needs are related to actively leaking and structurally unsound roofs. In order to address this critical problem, Sea Island Habitat has created a Roof Repair Rally to complete 30 roof repairs and replacements before the end of the year. Habitat needs to raise $100,000 in funding to make this a reality; $52,000 has already been committed by donors. SIHH also plans to partner with local builders and roofers as well as individual volunteers.
In 2021, Sea Island Habitat has completed 43 repairs. They currently have 78 homeowners waiting on a roof repair and many more waiting on other types of qualifying repairs. Only homes already on the application waiting list can be considered for the Roof Repair Rally. Community members with the ability to support the Roof Repair Rally can contact Sheilagh@seaislandhabitat.org for more information. Or donate online at https://www.seaislandhabitat.org/helprepair
