As the home Jim and Juliana Gaudet built 50 years ago continued to age, its upkeep was becoming a challenge. Their sons helped with many repairs. However, when their ramp and the steps into their house became a safety issue, their daughters-in-law suggested that they inquire about Harpswell Aging at Home’s home repairs team.
“I didn’t think we would qualify,” Juliana Gaudet said. But a five-minute phone call with Gina Caldwell, community services coordinator at the Town Office, set the process in motion.
Judy Muller, from HAH’s resources team, made an initial visit and provided information about what to expect from the home repairs team and other HAH programs.
“Judy told me I would be amazed at what they would find around the house to fix — things I never thought of,” Juliana Gaudet said.
The home repairs team, which works in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, is comprised of about 10-15 Harpswell residents with a variety of backgrounds. They come together weekly, typically split into a couple of work sites, and enjoy each other’s company while volunteering their skills.