NWIR-SoFL: From Empathy to Engagement

Meet the Walter's Family


Annette, the matriarch of the family, is a teachers aid for Pre-K/Kindergarten children in the Special Needs Program in Broward County, and a life-long resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Her Husband of 30 years, a previous taxi driver, was robbed at gunpoint and suffered a major heart attack. He is no longer able to work and is currently receiving disability. Their daughter is months away from graduating college, and their grandson will graduate high school this month! 

The roof on her family home caved in from recent storms, and with little income the family has been unable to afford home insurance for many years.  She has been in and out of the hospital with complications from Asthma and Pneumonia, most likely from years of mold and damages to the home. The struggles just keep adding up. In addition to the roof, they have other sources of water intrusion, all of which have a constant impact on the health of her and her family.


Annette has tried to get help from local and federal outlets. With so many "No's", she didn't know where to turn. She felt devastated...she lost all hope...

...until one of her neighbors stepped in to  help. Oscar (James) reached out to a roofer working on a home nearby and was quickly connected with the National Women in Roofing - South Florida Council.  The Women of NWIR-SFL are coming together to help this amazing family repair their home. 

Any money raised will help to pay for services and items that cannot be donated. In addition to a new roof we will be doing concrete work, electrical, mold remediation, termite fumigation, drywall, painting, etc. 

The family appreciates any help they can get, and are so very grateful for anything you can do.

Here are just a few pictures (difference rooms) where the issues are.