Denora's Journey to a Safe Home
Denora Johnson looks at a childhood photo of herself posing in the same spot on the main staircase of her West Philadelphia home.
Born in 1962, Denora Johnson has lived in her family home on Delancey Street since birth, a place her parents lovingly maintained since 1951. But as time passed, the house began to show its age, and Denora faced challenges that seemed insurmountable.
The Hidden Battles of Homeownership
Denora's home was more than just a building; it was a legacy. Her parents instilled in her the importance of maintaining it, teaching her everything from bleeding radiators to cleaning blinds. Yet, as the years went by, the house's needs grew beyond her capacity. "Plumbing is one thing, electricity is another, and the roof is a whole different story," Denora recalls. The kitchen leaned precariously, pipes were wrapped in makeshift solutions, and cabinets required a knife to open. These were not just inconveniences; they were daily reminders of the uphill battle she faced.
The Contractor Conundrum
Navigating the world of home repairs introduced Denora to another challenge: finding reliable contractors. "There are good contractors and then there are not-so-good ones," she explains. After being let down multiple times, Denora found herself wary and frustrated. The promise of a fixed home seemed distant, overshadowed by the reality of cash payments and no-shows. As she approached retirement, the weight of these unresolved issues grew heavier, leaving her to wonder about the future of her beloved home.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the setbacks, Denora's story took a hopeful turn when her longtime friend, neighbor, and block captain, Rudy, encouraged her to fill out an application for our program. Over the next few months, our staff and subcontractors made deep repairs in Denora’s home, from installing new kitchen cabinets to fixing the pipes to ensuring the safety of her home's gas lines. "They gave me more quality of life," Denora reflects, grateful for the newfound peace of mind.
