Home Repair Program: Get Families Off the Waitlist

Nearly 40% of Northeast Florida households struggle to make ends meet, which makes critical home repairs out of reach for many individuals and families.

In January 2023, United Way launched in partnership with Groundwork Jacksonville, LISC Jacksonville, North Riverside CDC, Historic Eastside CDC and JEA a Home Repair Program that will provide more than 40 homeowners the ability to receive much-needed repairs in North Riverside and on the Historic Eastside. But there is a long waiting list for more homes. Help this hardworking team of partners shorten the waiting list to allow more families to live in safer and more energy-efficient homes.

Ms. Smart’s Story

North Riverside homeowner Chinchilla Smart was one of the first people to see work on her home through this program. Chinchilla’s home was in need of a re-roof, and her AC needed replacement, as it was not cooling or draining properly. Chinchilla’s new “cool roof” keeps her home cooler and allows her new AC to run efficiently. Moreover, her home was fitted with rain gutters and barrels since her property is flood prone, alleviating flooding and water runoff. The rain barrels will also capture about 55 gallons of rainwater that will be used to water her vegetable garden and house plants.

Mr. Williams’ Story

On the Historic Eastside, homeowner John Williams shared how grateful he was to have the ability to stay in his historic 1902 home thanks to much-needed repairs. Repairs on his house, which hasn’t had much work done on the structure since the 1920s, included a new roof, renovated bathroom and the first shower ever installed in the home.