Mrs. Ella Giles has lived in her house for more than 40 years. It’s a place she settled down for one last military assignment with her late husband. It’s a place where she can walk a block to her church. Truly, it’s her home.
But, when she first came to NeighborWorks Columbus, her home was in need of renovations.
Mrs. Giles, whose late husband MSG Giles served over 34 years in the U.S. Army including two wars – The Korean War and Vietnam, was able to receive assistance from NeighborWork’s Veteran’s Rehabilitation Program on two separate occasions, something that has greatly improved the quality of her home.
“It’s beautiful now. I don’t think I could have ever had the work done on this house that they’ve done for me,” Giles said.
In the first renovation, NeighborWorks, in conjunction with the House of Heroes, provided Mrs. Giles a new roof, plumbing, hot water heater and windows and doors.
The latest work, done through a grant from Home Depot , included renovations to her bathroom and landscaping work.
Mrs. Giles, originally from Texas, is a retired medical receptionist from Martin Army Hospital. Though retired, she keeps busy as a member of two separate local bowling leagues and her church Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church, where she is an usher, is part of Mission #4, works in the kitchen and nursery and is in the vocal choir.
The Veterans Rehab Program is available to Veterans and surviving spouses who own and occupy their homes, like Giles. Up to $12,500 can be awarded through a forgivable loan that the recipient doesn’t have to pay back as long as they remain in their home for five years.
Types of eligible repairs include: exterior doors, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, insulation, roof, windows, low-flow plumbing fixtures, exterior ramp, sidewalk, or driveway, handicapped bathrooms, including sink, toilet, shower, grab bars, and vanities, kitchen cabinets and sinks.
For more information or to apply, visit nwcolumbus.org or call Wanda Y. Jenkins at 706.324.HOME (4663).
TAGS: Veterans Rehab, neighborhood revitalization, quality of life, September 11, Vietnam
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