A Brush With Kindness Restores Home to its Former Glory

Gene Hedy, a veteran of the U.S. Military, has lived in his family home in North Minneapolis for the past 23 years.

A year and a half ago, Gene's wife passed away, and within the last year he found that he could no longer perform some of the care and maintenance that his home needed. A neighbor from his tight-knit community informed Gene about Habitat's A Brush With Kindness program, and after learning a little more about the requirements, he decided to apply. 

Over the last few weeks, a number of volunteers have been tackling the necessary repairs for Gene’s home. Project Supervisor Troy Blakestad shared his thoughts on the Hedy home project:

“Not only is Gene one of the most worthy recipients of help from A Brush With Kindness, he has also been one of the most appreciative. It is obvious that Gene is a beloved member of his neighborhood, as many of his neighbors have stopped by to express their joy in seeing his house transformed. I know Gene has great pride in his home and in his neighborhood, and it has been a pleasure helping him re-establish that once again.”  

Home sponsor, API Group, Inc., graciously provided support that enabled the team to put in new windows, perform necessary masonry repairs, and paint the exterior of the residence. 

"To watch my home's transformation has been such a fun process," said Gene. "The entire A Brush With Kindness experience has lifted my spirits and has given me my motivation back."

Gene also shared that his home's makeover has had a sort of ripple effect in his community:

"People are out taking care of their homes, raking their yards and taking pride in the neighborhood again. It's quite remarkable."

Gene's also adamant about "paying it forward":

"As soon as I get the OK, I will be volunteering with Habitat so that I can help them help someone else in need."