ORLANDO, Fla. – An Orlando city commissioner is calling on the community to help repair a senior resident’s home after it went into disrepair during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commissioner Regina Hill said the owner of the Parramore home, who isn’t being identified at this time, lived in isolation this past year during the pandemic. Hill said her only companion was her cats.
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“During the pandemic, due to the shutdown, not having anyone really there to check on her and assist her, her home has fallen into despair,” Hill said. “Her roof has been long-term defective in a sense, but the inside right now isn’t livable.”
Hill showed News 6 the roof damage inside the home, as well as the unhealthy living conditions.
The commissioner said she learned about the situation from another resident. She set up the senior in a short-term nursing facility while she worked to get results.
“Started to galvanize community partners to see what we can do to offset the costs and financial hardships trying to take over something like this would cost,” Hill said.
Hill teamed up with Amazing Roofers. The company is donating a $15,000 new roof. The co-owner, Miguel Alvarenga, said they’re doing their part to give back, especially during these difficult times.
“It feels good. It feels very good and that’s the reason why we’re here. it’s a nice thing to do,” Alvarenga said.
Christina Selamaj with Amazing Roofers added they’re here to help.
“Everyone is being challenged right now, especially with COVID. So just having the opportunity to show as a company we’re here to help and be able to donate a roof and just work together and get it done to help our homeowners, our people in the community, it’s just amazing to us,” Selamaj said.
Volunteers also packed up the homeowner’s belongings to put in storage. They cleared out the house so they can clean and do renovations, including plans to install new kitchen appliances and new plumbing.
“She’s given so much to others as an educator and we want to make sure that she has the quality life, even in her long-term senior life,” Hill said.
Hill hopes to have the roof replacement and all the renovations done in about a month. She said she’s still looking for community partners to help. Click here to get in contact with Hill’s office if you would like to help or provide resources.