Habitat program assists hard-working senior citizen

Harriett Mednick could serve as spokeswoman for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s program A Brush with Kindness. Through her work with Senior Chore Services, she has referred several senior citizens to the program, which partners applicants who do not have the means to complete repairs on their homes with capable volunteers. A few months ago, Mednick realized her own property in Saint Paul could use some work, and contacted A Brush with Kindness for herself.

It’s important to Mednick that her home is in good repair. When she noticed the peeling paint on the house and garage, as well as the sinking garage roof, she knew something had to be done. Her house serves not only as a place to live, but also as her office. Whether typing up a Senior Chore Services newsletter, working with community improvement committees, or starting up her own mortgage reversal business, this active senior citizen is always hard at work. Because Mednick has devoted herself to improving the lives of others, which is not the most lucrative of pass-times, she lives on a tight budget. Without help from ABWK, Mednick would’ve been forced to put off the repairs her home needed so badly for an indefinite amount of time.

Mednick is very grateful for the work ABWK has done for her and other senior citizens like her. “I think they’re wonderful. My clients rave about them. They are very nice, well-organized. They bring everything they need, even a Port-A-Potty! I have nothing but praise for the organization.” She said she enjoyed chatting with the workers over the homemade coffee cake she served them. “You know, this is the only on-going program in the Twin Cities area. It’s great; I can refer people year round. I prefer working with A Brush with Kindness.”

Thanks to the South Metro regular crew and Brad’s Bunch, the roof on Harriett’s garage was completely replaced. Synovis Life Technologies washed, primed, and painted her house and garage. Her “country in the city” backyard, as she likes to call it, is looking better than ever and the cottage-like charm of her house is restored. After experiencing the work first-hand, A Brush with Kindness can be sure to expect many more applications sent over from their unofficial spokesperson!

Contributed by Robyn Thaney