In the newly incorporated city of Jurupa Valley there are many mobile home parks. Some of the parks are older than others. This may seem like a negative aspect rather than an asset to a city but for Habitat for Humanity Riverside it is an opportunity to bring the community together and bless another homeowner in need. We are here to help and lead volunteers eager to build up someone’s life through their hard work.
Last Saturday the 29th of July, we met in the city of Jurupa Valley with quite a few volunteers. We all gathered together in front of the home of Florence that morning. Florence the homeowner is an 84 year old senior citizen who is still working and has a kind spirit. Though she is employed, her income is very low and her social security is barely enough to pay the bills. Her daughter Madeline lives with her and is unemployed at this time. Florence had two huge juniper trees in front of her home and when they were removed, the home showed its age. The paint on the home was very faded and weathered. There were many stains from rain runoff. Ultimately, the park cited Florence to have the home painted to meet park standards. This is where her relationship with Habitat Riverside began.
Florence applied for the A Brush with Kindness program and she qualified for a new paint job for her home. We then reach volunteers to come out for a paint day. Most of the volunteers on the site were our new Habitat families who are currently working on their Sweat Equity. Two other volunteers were from San Diego area military personnel: a Marine and Navy enlisted men.
During the paint day we worked from top to bottom on the home painting were ever needed. The feel of the day was pleasant with laughs and talking filling the air. Florence and Madeline came out occasionally to speak to us and even supplied water and Gatorade for the volunteers. What a great gift from the homeowner. We finished a bit early and our group photo showed how our homeowner and volunteers felt at the end of the project day, with joy and gladness.
