Eighty-one year old Lois Barnes is confined to a wheelchair with failing eyesight. But she's still able to live alone in the house she used to share with her mother on the east side of San Antonio. Her house, like so many in her low-income neighborhood, was in need of major repairs and required modifications for her wheelchair. Long retired, Barnes gets by on Social Security but could never afford the expensive improvements. With funding, support and training from Enterprise, several local nonprofits joined forces to help her to stay in her home. The Alamo Area Council of Governments replaced all of her windows, added insulation and installed smoke alarms. Unitarian-Universalist Housing Assistance Corporation repaired the plumbing, wiring, roof and foundation. Merced Housing widened the doors and San Antonio Alternative Housing built a wheelchair ramp. Cardell Cabinets replaced her old kitchen cabinets. Working together with Enterprise support, these organizations brought peace of mind and a better life to an elderly member of their community.
"I've lived in this house most of my life, and I'm so glad I don't have to leave it now. These nice people fixed things up so I can be on my own and stay near my friends and neighbors."
Lois Barnes
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