Nearly five years after Hurricane Sandy severely damaged a disabled woman’s Jamaica home, some volunteers from a nonprofit group came together last week to finally fix the damage.
The renovation of Ida Williams’ home on 122nd Ave. was organized by Rebuilding Together NYC, a nonprofit housing organization that provides free home repairs for low-income residents, primarily for the elderly, disabled, veterans, families with small children, and survivors of natural disasters.
“Every New Yorker deserves a safe and healthy place to live. That’s why we were so excited to be go to Jamaica with a great group of volunteers from Lloyd’s America to continue our rebuilding campaign in Jamaica,” said Kimberly George, executive director of Rebuilding Together NYC. “Together, we’re able to provide repairs and accessibility modifications for a disabled homeowner that will allow her to safely access all areas of her home.”
Williams is diabetic and is recovering from multiple health conditions. She currently lives on the first floor of her home and finds it difficult to access all areas of the house.
Rebuilding Together NYC started this project as part of its National Rebuilding Day that marked the launch of a revitalization campaign in Jamaica.
Volunteers have already worked on accessibility modifications on the first floor which added a bathing area to the bathroom on the first floor with grab-bars and a shower chair. A ramp was also installed extending from the porch into the backyard and driveway.
Workers also started mudding, taping and sanding drywall in Williams’ basement, which is used for laundry and extra storage. A handheld shower and new boiler will soon be installed next as work continues.
“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.”
