Leslie’s Story and the Power of HRI’s Home Improvement Program

At 75, Leslie is grateful for her cozy Cambridge home, which she shares with her 10-year-old poodle, Bonnie. Seeking stability for her teenaged children, Leslie bought the house in the early 1990s during a tough time for her family. Over the years, her children have grown up and moved out, but Leslie’s strong neighborhood bonds made aging in place a priority.

When they moved in, Leslie and her daughters removed the green shag carpet by hand and repainted their new home. Today, though, Leslie can no longer make home repairs herself. Several years ago, she climbed a stepladder on her porch to paint and realized that her unsteadiness put her in danger of falling. Shortly after, Leslie received a brochure about HRI’s Home Improvement Program (HIP) from the City of Cambridge’s Fuel Assistance Program.

Leslie reached out to Jennifer and Michael, HRI’s HIP staff, hoping for assistance to paint her porch and make her stairs easier to navigate as she ages. After visiting Leslie’s home, Michael recommended that she also move the washer and dryer to the first floor from the basement and add a walk-in shower to replace an old bathtub. HIP made rehabbing Leslie’s home financially possible by providing a low-interest loan and connecting her with more than $100,000 in grant funds. For example, thanks to a grant from the Cambridge Historical Commission, Leslie arranged to have the exterior of her home repainted.

Today, Leslie and Bonnie spend time visiting with neighbors on their newly painted porch. Leslie credits HIP staff with making it possible for her to live the rest of her life in a home and community that she loves.

Stories like Leslie’s would not be possible without support from our partners, including you. Please give $25, $100, $500, or more to Homeowner’s Rehab Inc today. Gifts of $1,000 or more are eligible for Massachusetts Community Investment Tax Credits.

By joining Team HRI, you have the power to change lives. To donate, visit Givebutter to make a one-time or monthly gift or send a check to:

Homeowner’s Rehab. Inc.

280 Franklin St.

Cambridge, MA 02139