From ‘my poor home’ to relief: home repairs create future security

Hamilton homeowner Helen is relieved to be heading into retirement knowing her home is up to scratch, thanks to the support of Habitat for Humanity.

Helen, who is in her 70s, is the original owner of her home of almost 50 years. She loves living on her quiet, leafy street, alongside neighbours who she considers friends.

But like many houses approaching half a century old, her home was in need of maintenance. Through her job as a cleaner, Helen was saving up and chipping away at bits and pieces around her home, but eventually it became too much.

“I’ve always said to myself I can do it, but I couldn’t. ‘My poor home’ – I kept saying that. I know my kids couldn’t help me because they had their own lives and financial struggles.

“I was just going to keep working and working and working.”

She picked up a brochure about Habitat’s Home Repair programme from her local ReStore op-shop and thought there was no harm in applying – although she didn’t think she’d be accepted.

The Home Repair programme supports homeowners with an affordable, interest-free loan of up to $20,000 for critical repairs and maintenance. Habitat supported Helen with kitchen renovations and repairs to her roof.

“That was just awesome having an interest-free loan. It was such a blessing to have that.”

Helen worked hard to pay off her loan quickly, and has since contracted the Habitat team to complete other bits and pieces at her home.

Helen’s home was also selected as one of two houses to be painted, at no cost, as part of Habitat’s annual project with Waikato Diocesan School – an experience that had a profound impact on both Helen and the students involved.

“I loved seeing the homeowner, Helen's, reaction. Seeing her so happy filled my heart,” said one of the students.

For health reasons, Helen is retiring from working and says it’s “massive” to have the security of her newly repaired home as she enters this new chapter of her life.

“I would say to anyone, don’t be shy to go in and ask for help. It’s there for you, if your house needs fixing up, don’t be afraid to go to Habitat.

“You kind of think that, because of pride, you don’t want their help, but you do. They’ll be so friendly and willing to help you.”

Habitat’s Home Repair programme is supported by BNZ.