Home repairs and upkeep can be expensive. For some people, that means a leaky roof, sagging steps or peeling paint doesn’t get fixed, falling prey to budget constraints in low- and fixed-income situations.
For Henderson County residents, Labor of Love has been helping with household needs like these since 1986.
“Our focus is health and safety issues for handicapped or elderly residents, single mothers and even grandparents raising grandkids that we see more now,” said Roy Talbot, Labor of Love president. “We do things like adding grab bars, fix holes in floors, leaky faucets, leaky roofs—whatever it takes for a person to maintain and live in the home.”
Talbot said the group assists with about 145 projects each year including around 30 roof repairs and 35 wheel chair ramps.
One of the biggest challenges Labor of Love faces is letting people know that they are available to help.
“Like everything else, there is a problem that people haven’t heard of us,” Talbot said. “I would love to speak to any civic organization to let them know about what we are doing.”
Another way to help is stepping up to provide volunteer labor and leadership.
“At one point we had 14 project managers, and, well, some of those guys got old,” Talbot said with a laugh. “Anybody who is willing, we can train. This isn’t rocket science. It is the same things you have done at your own house, but you can do it to help other people.”
For more information, contact Talbot at 903-675-LOVE (5683), or find “Labor of Love-Athens” on Facebook.
