Sandra bought her southeast Portland home 24 years ago. She wanted a forever home, so she worked hard to make it happen. Working two jobs and selling her extra things, Sandra was able to buy a home for herself and her children to grow in.
“When I was looking at a house to buy, I was thinking of the future,” she says. “I knew that I wanted one floor, no stairs, so that way I could age in place.”
Over the years, Sandra’s home has brought her family solace and support. When Sandra lost her son in 2023, her daughter-in-law and granddaughter moved in to be close to her. Her daughter moved back in around the same time. They call themselves the Four Musketeers.
Trouble beneath the surface
In 2024, Sandra noticed water pooling on the floor in the full bath. When she investigated, that water revealed a leak in the walls, another where her toilet connected to the sewer line, dry rot, and more water damage than she could have imagined.
With the sink and toilet out of commission, The Musketeers had to rely on the half-bath.
But the only shower in the house was in the main bathroom, so they had no choice but to keep using it. While they did, water continued leaking and damaging the subflooring around the shower.
Sandra searched for a solution, but loans were out of the question, and she was overwhelmed facing the extensive repair. When her social worker suggested she search for assistance programs, she wasted no time.
She found out that Habitat’s Home Repair Program partners with eligible homeowners to complete critical home improvements and applied right away. Application rounds open for limited time periods, and approval depends on both meeting the program’s requirements and program capacity. So, Sandra was thrilled to hear that she was eligible for a repair.
“Like winning the lottery”
Sandra says her experience with Habitat’s home repair program “felt like winning the lottery.”
Sandra was able to qualify for a loan from Habitat on top of assistance from her homeowner’s insurance and the Portland Housing Bureau. Repairs are usually not free, but assistance may be available.
Sandra had no idea how extensive the damage was until the repair was underway. It was a good thing she caught it when she did.
“I’d say there was a pretty good chance of that floor giving out if it had stayed unaddressed,” says Habitat Home Repair Project Manager Anthony Grimaldi.
Habitat’s Home Repair team completely renovated the full bathroom. From demolishing and replacing the rotted subfloor and beams to installing a new tub, shower, and toilet, they made sweeping changes.
They repaired the bathroom with longevity in mind, not only installing a new vanity and plumbing, but also adding a new bathroom fan, baseboards, and a grab bar in the shower.
Moving forward on solid ground
“It’s like night and day,” Sandra says. The results are even better than she expected. Now that she and her family no longer need to share the half-bath, everything feels easier.
With the bathroom fixed, Sandra feels hopeful. She has her mind on a list of renovations she wants to tackle next, and she finally feels able to start planning them now that this pivotal repair is done.
“I had no idea this kind of program existed,” she says, “it’s a lifesaver.”
Habitat’s home repair program partners with eligible homeowners to complete critical home repairs that improve health, safety, and accessibility. To learn more about the program and see if you qualify, head to our website: https://habitatportlandregion.org/programs/home-repair/
