By Naeisha Rose
Rebuilding Together NYC and volunteers from insurance company Lloyd’s America helped in fixing a Jamaica resident’s home last week.
Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit housing organization that provides critical home repairs for low-income New Yorkers and survivors of natural disasters, according to Avi Small, a spokesman for the group.
Together, they modified the home of Ida Williams, located in Jamaica. Williams is a diabetic recovering from a stroke and multiple myeloma — a condition where plasma cells turn cancerous.
Volunteers created a bathing area for Williams on the first floor with grab-bars, a shower chair and a hand-held shower head, Small said. There was also a ramp built from her porch to Williams’ backyard and driveway.
“Every New Yorker deserves a safe and healthy place to live,” said Kimberly George, the executive director of Rebuilding Together NYC. “That’s why we’re so excited to be going to Jamaica with a great group of volunteers from Lloyd’s America. Together, we’ll be able to provide repairs and accessibility modifications for a disabled homeowner that will allow her to safely access all areas of her home.”
Williams was moved by the help from the volunteers.
“I am so touched and grateful for the work that Rebuilding Together NYC and the volunteers have put into fixing my home and making it wheelchair accessible – it’s a huge relief to be able move around freely and come and go as I please,” Williams said. “Programs like this, which help New Yorkers in need, are vital for the city.”
Reach reporter Naeisha Rose by e-mail at nrose
