From Crumbling to Comfort

From Crumbling to Comfort

Twenty four years ago, Mariasha and Yona left Israel and bought their first home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They raised their 13 children in their home. Four of their children are now married and their youngest is almost two years old.

Their children love to play in their basement, however it is becoming dangerous for them to do so because the drywall on their basement walls is crumbling.  

“[This was causing] frustration,” Mariasha said. “It is a hazard to some extent. The youngest is sticking pieces [of drywall] into his mouth.”

After 24 years in their home, they have other issues in their home that need to be fixed. In addition to the crumbling drywall, parts of their kitchen floor are cracked or broken. Their air conditioning doesn’t service the whole house and they need repairs on a few faucets and toilets. 

Studies show that after less than two years of owning a home, disrepair makes it difficult to maintain a comfortable and livable home for homeowners with low to moderate incomes. 

Fortunately, Mariasha and Yona were familiar with Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity because of their involvement in Milwaukee Habitat’s Lead Safe Homes program. Qualifying homeowners can have lead paint removed at NO COST. While their home was being inspected for lead paint, they were told that they could apply for their drywall to be redone through Milwaukee Habitat’s Critical Home Repair Program. 

If you own your own home in this area you may qualify!

The Critical Home Repair Program makes repairs such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, and more, affordable for local homeowners. The program offers a 0% interest loan on repairs, flexible repayment options, and up to 80% of the loan could be forgiven based on income. 

They applied for the program and were accepted to get these necessary repairs done on their home at a price they could afford.

“It’s going to be so exciting,” Mariasha said. “We will definitely spend more time in the basement with the kids.”