A proud military veteran and Mustang who worked his way from an enlisted soldier to an officer and a pilot, found himself facing challenges at home that tested his resilience in new ways. “My roof was leaking, and every year I had to climb up and cover it with tarps to keep more water from coming in,” he explained. Without a functioning HVAC system, his home had no heat in the winter and no air conditioning in the summer. “My ceiling had sheetrock damage in multiple places, the plumbing was unreliable, and the water heater had failed. I hadn’t had hot water in years.” What should have been a place of comfort had instead become a source of stress and worry.
That changed when Joseph Finney, a site assessor from Community Resource Project (CRP), stopped by to share information about programs that could help. For the veteran, who was used to handling challenges alone, the decision to apply wasn’t easy. “I wasn’t sure at first, but Joseph explained the programs and encouraged me to apply,” he recalled. That first step opened the door to relief and to a plan from CRP to restore safety, comfort, and efficiency to his home.
Through the program, the veteran received a full roof replacement, new insulation after removing the old materials that had been damaged by leaks, and a complete HVAC system that finally brought heating and cooling back to his home. “They replaced my water heater, fixed the plumbing, repaired my ceilings, and even added weatherstripping at the doors,” he said. Each repair provided additional comfort and peace of mind.
Today, the veteran says his quality of life has improved dramatically. “There’s been a 50 to 60 percent improvement in my overall mental and physical health,” he shared. The constant worry about leaks, extreme temperatures, and living without hot water is gone. He credits not only the repairs but also “the 100 percent positive attitude and professionalism of the CRP crew and contractors.” His advice to others is simple: “If you need assistance and fail to ask for help, that equates to an automatic no.” With gratitude, he calls the support he received “over the top” and says he is deeply thankful for the time, effort, and care that went into converting his house back into a home.