Jackson Free Press

The Jackson Medical Mall will provide new roofs and other much-needed home repairs to four Jackson senior citizens through its fall "Raise the Roof" campaign. With seniors making up 65 percent of the city's residents, the initiative provides repairs too expensive for those on fixed incomes, allowing seniors to keep the homes they have worked all of their lives to own.

With teams of volunteers, "we work on everything from foundations to the roof and everything in between," said Amia Edwards, Jackson Medical Mall Foundation housing resource specialist. That "everything" can include plumbing, carpentry and electrical work, she said.

For seniors living on Social Security, even minor home repairs can be financially out of reach. One of this year's recipients, for example, has a rotten roof and mold in three rooms. "I can't imagine having to live on Social Security," Edwards said, highlighting the difficulty of living on a small fixed income and trying to keep up with home repairs.

Since 2003, "Raise the Roof" has made renovations on 16 homes in its July and October campaigns, and about 50 seniors are the waiting list, Edwards said. Volunteers will be working on the four homes selected next week, from Oct. 19 through Oct. 23, and more volunteers are welcome, as are donations and cases of water.

"Raise the Roof" plays an integral role in promoting community and economic development, a key component of the Foundation's mission. To volunteer, donate or to get more information on the program, contact Amia Edwards at 601-982-8467, or send e-mail to [e-mail missing].

Previous Comments

ID

152738

Comment

This is a great cause and I hope that citizens who can spare even $5 will contribute. A lot of small contributions eventually turn into a large amt. There are so many of our Seniors who are living in sub-standard housing.

Author

justjess

Date

2009-10-19T09:59:51-06:00