BY KARISSA MILLER

The rising costs of materials and labor are making it difficult for some Iredell County residents to pay for necessary repairs to their homes.

Thanks to a $132,000 grant for the N.C. Housing Finance Agency, which assists very low and low-income households, I-CARE Inc. has been lifting that burden for some homeowners through its urgent home repair program.

“This year, we’ve been able to help 10 homeowners so far with roof repairs,” explained Shelton Moore, Family Support Services director for the local nonprofit.

It’s important for the elderly to be able to remain in their homes, he said.

“We want people to be able to age in their home. We want elderly to be able to remain in their home and not have to go anywhere else,” Moore said.

I-CARE accepted applications for the urgent repair program through October 31, and roof replacements began in January.

To qualify for assistance, applicant’s incomes must be below 50 percent of the area’s median income, and they must have special needs such as be elderly or a person with a disability.

‘It was like a miracle happened’

Troutman residents Roger and Annie Hager have lived in their house for 30 years. The married couple was selected as one of the recipients of roof repairs this year.

“I was born and raised in this house. My Daddy built this house in 1946,” Annie said.

Much-needed repairs to a leaky roof, outdated windows and other repairs have been pushed to the back burner for a few years.

“You get like me and get to a place where you can’t do anything anymore. You can’t afford to pay to have it done because everyone wants a fortune now,” Roger said.

Annie said that after she broke her hip a few years ago that it’s not been easy to do as many things.

Someone they knew had mentioned going to I-CARE for help.

“I had no idea that it would be possible to have our roof repaired. It was like a miracle happened,” Annie said. “They came out and did it in one day.”

Roger said he was impressed that there were no nails or other kinds of debris in the yard after the roof replacement.

Now, they no longer have to worry about water leaking into their closet and bedrooms.

Now in their mid-70s and early-80s, they have many fond memories of hosting family gatherings and good times with their late poodle.

They’ve watched as Troutman has transformed over the years.

“This was a dirt road out here a long time ago. There used to be community stores and gas stations,” Roger said. “There’s a lot of memories right in here.”

“Good memories,” Annie added.

The couple is grateful to be part of Troutman’s past and future chapters — most importantly, they are grateful to remain in their home, they said.

‘It looks good too’

Danie Riddick, 79, has lived in his Statesville home for 42 years.

While he likes to travel, he has slowed down as he has gotten older.

“I spend a lot of time at home,” he said.

While he didn’t have any water damage, his roof was in need of being replaced.

“I couldn’t get homeowner’s insurance on it until I got the roof replaced,” he said.

Riddick applied for the roof replacement program and within a short period of time was able to get a new roof. Now he qualifies for homeowners’ insurance.

“I’ve had no problem out of the roof. It looks good, too,” he said.

‘This is home’

Phyllis Rabon, 73, lives in Union Grove off a long road that passes through rolling hills and lush wooded areas. There’s an abundance of wildlife in the area.

Rabon said her home means everything to her, but she couldn’t afford to pay for a new roof.

I-CARE was a blessing.

“I cannot say enough about I-CARE. They have truly, truly saved me. There was a rubber roof on part of this house. It was old and cracked. I would put out five-gallon buckets when it rained,” she explained. “These young people came through our church and gave out pamphlets. That’s how I learned about it.”

She said that the I-CARE team made the process easy and they checked in with her throughout the process.

“Providence Roofing worked 10 hours and did a great job on her new roof,” she said.

Rabon now has peace of mind.

“I don’t have to worry about getting up and checking on the buckets,” Rabon said.

Her home is not just a physical structure, she explained, but a source of comfort and memories.

“I love living up here. It’s very peaceful. It gives you time to think things through and make decisions,” she said. “This is home.”