NEW SNAP RAILING ENSURES HOMEOWNER’S SAFETY
By Dean Henrich
Spokane, Wash. – The SNAP Essential Home Repair Program makes a significant difference in the lives of homeowners like Kathleen. At 70 years old, Kathleen’s story of resilience and the assistance she received from SNAP serves as an example of how the organization is ensuring safe housing for those in need.
Kathleen, a long-time resident of Spokane, moved to the city over three decades ago as a mother of three. She worked as a waitress and a nurse’s aide to provide for her family. Throughout the years, she faced health challenges. Kathleen has low vision, which ultimately led her to rely on public transportation for mobility.
(Pictured Left to Right: SNAP Home Repair Program Manager Kelly Dawn with homeowner Kathleen and Home Repair Tech Paul Nelson)
“Everything is so expensive. I want to stay here as long as I can,” Kathleen shared, echoing the sentiment of many low-income homeowners who struggle to maintain their homes.
Kathleen’s situation took a turn for the better when SNAP got involved. Over the years, SNAP provided her with essential energy assistance and even installed insulation and air conditioning in her home. However, recently one issue became a pressing safety concern – the railing on her front steps. Kathleen uses the stairs in front of her home each time she ventures out.
“I had several people tell me I was going to fall. It was loose. You could wiggle it, and it was rusty,” Kathleen recalled.
Enter Paul Nelson, a dedicated SNAP home repair technician with 37 years of experience. Paul joined SNAP in January and expressed the profound satisfaction he derives from helping members of the community. He’s dedicated to ensuring that their homes are safe and comfortable.
“The gratification they give you, hugging you, crying sometimes, it means a lot. It’s a good feeling because I know I’m helping the community,” Paul shared.
Paul’s expertise came in handy as he replaced Kathleen’s deteriorated railing with a secure and sturdy one, eliminating the safety hazard.
“It was a metal handrail that was rotted out at the bottom. It had deteriorated to the point where I could have just pushed it over,” He explained.
Nelson has worked on a wide range of jobs in his time with SNAP including plumbing, electrical, handrails, door installation, window repair, rain gutter maintenance, and more.
“Paul did an excellent, excellent, excellent job. He’s an angel,” Kathleen exclaimed. “I really appreciate him getting my railing up, so I don’t have to worry about falling.”
Kelly Dawn, the SNAP Home Repair Program Manager, highlighted the organization’s commitment to ensuring safe housing for the community. SNAP employs a team of technicians and collaborates with local contractors to offer various repair services.
“A client will call and ask for a specific repair. We’ll gather documentation from them, and make sure that they qualify monetarily and that they’re the homeowner,” Dawn explained. “Once we get all their documentation, we’ll qualify them for everything. Then based on whatever the job is, we send out a contractor or a crew member to take care of whatever work needs to be done.”
The program extends its reach to renters for ADA accommodations with landlord approval. After the repair or modification is complete, clients sign a final inspection form to ensure their satisfaction.
Dawn emphasized the rewarding nature of their work, stating, “It is amazing to work with every person that we serve. It’s just awesome to be able to help homeowners age in place in their homes by helping them with the accommodations that they need. It’s really a fun and rewarding job.”
To inquire about SNAP Essential Home Repair Services please reach out to them at repair@snapwa.org or 509-456-7627. SNAP is dedicated to ensuring that community members have access to safe and affordable housing, and the Home Repair Team continues to work toward that goal, one repair at a time.