BY BRITTON CRENSHAW

Featured in Vol 8, Issue 2: Philanthropy

Habitat for Humanity Jackson, TN Area, Inc. (Habitat Jackson) has been working to improve the Jackson community since 1986. Known for serving low-income individuals and families by constructing affordable housing solutions, Habitat Jackson continues to expand its impact through the Aging in Place program.

This program supports the continued safe residence of low-income, older adult homeowners through the completion of no-cost critical repairs. The program targets those age 60 and older who own their home and reside in Madison or Haywood County. The repairs improve the safety and accessibility of the structure for the homeowner, so they do not have to seek shelter elsewhere such as a temporary living facility or with additional family members. It also relieves the older adults of undue financial burden later in life. New roofs, new floor beams, wheelchair ramps, handrails, doors, grab bars, shower transfer benches and more are the life-changing products of this program. One such person whose life was changed was Ms. Lusby.

Ms. Lusby recently had the roof on her 1959 home replaced. The new improvement brings safe shelter to a home that has long proved special to her and her family. Before Ms. Martin owned the home, it belonged to her aunt. “I have lived here since I was in third grade,” Ms. Martin stated. She remembered knowing everyone on her street and it being a family environment. “Everyone was family. We had three churches, Bible study, and activities for the whole community. Everyone looked out for one another,” she recalled. When her aunt got older, she became sick and eventually passed. Her aunt chose to entrust the home to Ms. Lusby.

Ms. Lusby continued to live in the home and raise her own children in the home. She and her children were able to attend the school only a block away from the home where she also worked as an assistant in a pre-kindergarten program. Today, a handful of her neighbors are some of the original owners and her lifelong friends. The neighbors continue to look after each other and know everyone’s grandchildren. Ms. Lusby said the process of getting a roof was enjoyable and she appreciated how they cleaned up after themselves, and that she got to socialize with the workers while offering refreshments. She is most thankful for a roof that no longer leaks and the ability to continue to live by herself.

“It is so comfortable to live in the same place since 3rd grade, and I just enjoy living by myself and being able to be independent,” she said.

Aging in Place has been in operation since May 2019 and with over $263,000 invested in Madison County alone, it has been truly life changing work for all involved. Habitat Jackson began servicing this need as it sought to close the gap of services for our most vulnerable community members. As construction and living costs continue to rise, Habitat Jackson is seeking new, regular donors to support the work of the Aging in Place program and provide affordable housing solutions for all. Learn more at www.jacksonhabitat.com.

Britton Crenshaw is the Resource Development Director for Habitat for Humanity in Jackson, Tennessee. A West Tennesse native resident and social worker by trade, Britton believes in making his community better for all by building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.