Farmington Hills Family Receives Home Repairs from Church Volunteers

News Summary

A family in Farmington Hills benefited from essential home repairs carried out by 26 volunteers from St. James Catholic Church. As part of the annual Rebuilding Together Day, the volunteers addressed significant issues in the Vogl home, alleviating physical and financial burdens. The collaborative effort brought relief to the family, highlighting the importance of community support and volunteerism in transforming lives.

Farmington Hills Family Receives Home Repairs from St. James Catholic Church Volunteers

Farmington Hills welcomed a group of 26 volunteers from St. James Catholic Church in Novi who dedicated their time and resources to assist a local family in need during Rebuilding Together Day on May 3. This annual initiative focuses on providing crucial home repairs for residents facing financial challenges, continuing a tradition that the church has upheld for 18 years.

This year, the recipients were Lynne Vogl and her family, who have a deep connection with the program. Vogl’s familiarity with the initiative stems from her parents, former members of St. Alexander Parish, who volunteered in various capacities, including preparing meals for the workers. It was through the encouragement of a friend still involved with the program that Vogl decided to apply for assistance.

Vogl has faced several medical issues that affect her mobility, necessitating a strong reliance on her sister, Michele Macy, who manages most of the household chores. After four years of annual applications, the family was finally selected to receive help, highlighting the competitive nature of the program and the persistent need for such resources in the community.

Vital Repairs Addressed

The Vogl home had multiple critical repair issues, including significant electrical problems that prevented the dryer from working in its designated laundry space, forcing the family to relocate the appliance to the kitchen. The bathroom also presented challenges with a rotting floor that required immediate attention.

Leading the internal repairs was Paul Livernois, a parishioner who operates a home renovation business. Over four days, the repairs included:

• Fixing drywall and rehabilitating the bathroom floor
• Installing a new toilet and sink
• Replacing an outdated breaker box dating back 50 years

Exterior Enhancements Made

The volunteer team also poured their efforts into external improvements. On May 3, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., volunteers focused on enhancing the home’s exterior to improve safety and curb appeal. Their tasks included:

• Staining the deck and repairing railing
• Power-washing the home’s exterior
• Addressing loose boards, replacing damaged siding, and installing a new screen door
• Changing out outdated light fixtures and laying down fresh mulch

Impact on the Family

The repairs had a significant impact on Vogl’s family, particularly given the recent financial strain caused by Macy’s unemployment. The assistance provided not only alleviated the physical burden of home upkeep but also lessened the financial pressure of hiring paid help for maintenance. As the family prepares for the high school graduations of Vogl’s children, Madelyn and Evan, the timely repairs come as a welcome relief.

Evan Macy expressed gratitude for the repairs, noting that they enable his mother to manage household tasks more comfortably without overexerting herself. The dedication of those involved in the project has brought a renewed sense of hope and stability to the family during this challenging period.

Community Support and Contributions

Dean Pasquali and Keith Girard, coordinating the volunteer efforts for the last two years, have played pivotal roles in organizing this impactful event. The cost of exterior materials for the repairs, excluding mulch, tallied approximately $800. These efforts reflect the commitment of Rebuilding Together Southeast Michigan, based in Farmington Hills, which relies on donations and volunteers to provide much-needed assistance to families in the area.

The support extended to the Vogl family demonstrates the importance of community engagement and the need for ongoing efforts to assist those in vulnerable situations. Such initiatives highlight the potential impact that collective volunteerism can have in transforming lives and homes within the community.

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Additional Resources

• C & G News: Novi Church Helps Farmington Hills Family Rebuild Home
• Wikipedia: Community Service
• Patch: Farmington Area Volunteer of the Year Enjoys Inspiring Others
• Google Search: Volunteer Opportunities
• Hometown Life: Dr. Zvi Levran Farmington Livonia Sexual Assault
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Volunteering
• Patch: 5 Amazing Volunteer Organizations in Hartland
• Google News: Volunteer Work