Lawrence Eagle Tribune
Monday, April 11, 2005

Older residents get an assist fixing their homes

By William Gillis
Staff Writer

LAWRENCE -- If you're a Lawrence senior citizen living on a low or fixed income and need repairs to your home, then Project Senior is looking for you.

And if you're someone who wants to volunteer to help Lawrence's elders, then give Project Senior a call.

The first phase of Project Senior is a one-day event April 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to assist seniors with home maintenance projects. The effort is organized by the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Inc. and the Lawrence/Methuen Community Coalition.

Volunteers of all ages and skills are invited to pitch in by doing yardwork, painting, gardening, repairing fences and stairways and other projects.

Harold Magoon, program director for the Lawrence/Methuen Community Coalition, said almost everybody in the Merrimack Valley knows of an elderly neighbor who is struggling to keep their home in good condition.

Magoon said one of the goals of Project Senior is to help seniors who want to remain in their homes.

Bernard J. Reilly, director of the Lawrence Senior Center, said there is a need for housing repairs for the elderly throughout Lawrence.

"A lot of seniors are on fixed income," Reilly said. "They're really unable to have the financial wherewithal to make the necessary repairs to their properties. A program like this would be very helpful."

Project Senior was originally targeted at elderly homeowners in South Lawrence, but Magoon said the project will include other areas of Lawrence as well. He said the program has also been expanded beyond the April 23 date and will tackle larger home repair projects because it has received additional funding.

"It's more than a one-day shot," Magoon said. "It will be an ongoing process."

Project Senior was initially funded by $20,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant money awarded to Lawrence. Since then, the project has also attracted $10,000 from Sovereign Bank and $21,000 from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Co.

Magoon said April 23 will be reserved for fairly basic projects, while more complicated projects like roof repairs that would require professional contractors could be performed on an ongoing basis.

Magoon said about eight sites have already been identified for work on April 23. All the sites are in South Lawrence, except for one in the Tower Hill neighborhood, and one in central Lawrence.

Next year, Project Senior will target the central Lawrence neighborhood, Magoon said.

Maureen Mulcahy, director of planning and program development for GLCAC Inc., said when seniors are faced with major home repairs, they are frequently victimized by unscrupulous contractors.

She said that Project Senior hopes to find contractors who would be willing to work for free or at a reduced rate so most of the program's money can be used to pay for materials.

How many houses the volunteers get to on April 23 depends on the number of volunteers, how many homes are identified as being in need, and the expertise of the volunteers, Magoon said.

He said he hopes to attract retired contractors, carpenters, roofers, plumbers and electricians to provide expertise.

Mulcahy said volunteers of all ages and skills are welcome.

"I handle a mean rake, but not a hammer," she joked.

Seniors who are interested in Project Senior and volunteers who want to lend a hand should contact GLCAC Inc., at (978) 681-4900, ext. 406.