Senior Millage home repair program provides new kitchen for Muskegon resident
Submitted by Trinity Village Non Profit Housing
Karen Payne looks admiringly at her completely rebuilt kitchen. Ms. Payne lives in a quiet neighborhood on the west side of Muskegon. She says she has lived there in the same house all of her adult life, over 50 years.
“I raised all of my seven children in this house’” she says with quiet pride. “They all grew up here and mostly live nearby. I love this neighborhood and know the neighbors.”
But over many years her home began to need repairs which were not affordable on a fixed income, especially the kitchen. The ceiling tiles began to fall and the ceiling had to be removed. The walls were cracking and had to be removed, leaving the kitchen torn down to the studs. The wiring was old and unsafe. A family member was able to assist by re-wiring the kitchen. Then another family member sought assistance for her mom through the 211 service hotline. They connected her with Trinity Village Non Profit Housing’s program of major home repairs, funded through Muskegon County Senior Millage Program
When Effie Grandberry, Trinity Housing’s Home Repair program manager, made a home visit to determine the repairs needed, she saw the kitchen walls torn down to the studs. “There was no kitchen, only a room!” she said.
Trinity Housing worked with LRS Construction Company, with Rudy Briggs as the contractor. Through the repair program the walls, ceiling and window were replaced. New floorcovering was installed on the floor. Then the fun part began. Ms. Payne worked with the contractor to choose the wall color she liked best from paint swatches the contractor brought.
“I thought about gray but I wanted it light and not gloomy,” she said. The kitchen is a lovely, soothing light gray which goes well with the darker counter tops, giving the room a very modern, up-to-date look. Ms. Payne chose light oak cabinets which add color and zing to the room.
Trinity Village Non Profit Housing has been developing multi-family housing for over 30 years. However, for the past several years Trinity Housing has concentrated on single family home repair and renovation. “It’s very satisfying to see how much of a difference we can make in the quality of life for seniors with major home repairs. Some of the repairs which provide accessibility may make the difference in being able to remain living independently in their homes,” said Judith Transue, executive director of Trinity Village Non Profit Housing.
Seeing how happy Ms. Payne is with her new kitchen really brings home the meaning of serving the community, especially our elders who have given so much to the community.
