BY KARISSA MILLER
Rising labor and materials costs are making it difficult for many local residents to afford necessary home repairs.
However, I-CARE Inc. is helping ease the financial burden for some homeowners thanks to a $132,000 grant to assist very low and low-income households from the N.C. Housing Finance Agency.
“This year, we’ve been able to help 10 homeowners so far with roof repairs,” explained Shelton Moore, Family Support Services director for I-CARE.
The grant will help address a critical need in Iredell County, 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 explained.
I-CARE accepted applications for its Urgent Repair Program until October 31. Roof replacements began in January.
Recipients of the program must have incomes below 50 percent of the area median income and have special needs such as being elderly or having a disability.
‘It was like a miracle’
Troutman residents Roger and Annie Hager, who have have lived in their house for 30 years, were selected as recipients of roof repairs this year.
“I was born and raised in this house. My daddy built this house in 1946,” Annie said.
Then couple’s plans to repair their leaky roof, replace windows and make other needed repairs have been pushed to the back burner for a few years now.
“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, who broke her hip a few years ago, said that an acquaintance 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.”
Their roof no longer leaks.
The couple, who are in their mid 70s and early 80s, said they have many fond memories in their home, including family gatherings and lots of good times with their late poodle.
They also remember seeing the Troutman community transform 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.
‘It looks good, too’
Danie Riddick in Statesville, 79, has lived in his home in Statesville for 42 years.
While he likes to travel, he has slowed down in his older age.
“I spend a lot of time at home,” he said.
His roof didn’t leak, but it has deteriorated over the years.
“I couldn’t get homeowner’s insurance on it until I got the roof replaced,” Riddick said.
He applied for I-CARE’s roof replacement program and within a short period of time was able to get a new roof. He’s also eligible for homeowners’ insurance.
“I’ve had no problem out of the roof. It looks good, too,” he said.
‘I cannot say enough about I-CARE’
Phyllis Rabon, 73, lives in Union Grove down a long road that passes through rolling hills, lush forest areas and an abundance of wildlife.
Her home means everything to her, but she couldn’t afford to pay for a new roof. The I-CARE program has been a godsend.
“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.
The I-CARE team made the process easy and checked in with her throughout the process.
“Providence Roofing worked 10 hours and did a great job on the 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. “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.”