HomeFreeHome is a group of amazing people who do great things for people that need assistance with mobility issues inside and outside their homes. After the home assessment is complete, a volunteer architect is matched up with the person or family. Other volunteers help by raising money, supplying labor, assisting in the purchase of materials, securing permits as well as the many little things that help complete the project. The whole process is so wonderful because the volunteers know at the end of the project, there will be many smiling faces, stories to share, photos to exchange and a home is a safer and better place for a person who didn't believe it could happen until HomeFreeHome showed up!
I have known many of the people involved with this organization for a very long time, and well before they decided to commit themselves to the excellent and very needed work being done to assist people and families with disabilities. The level of commitment to make a positive difference in the world and the integrity of the people involved is of the highest caliber, and should be an inspiration to us all to take a look around and see what we could be doing to make things better in the world by one little task at a time. Think of what could be accomplished if we all thought that way. Wonderful group doing wonderful work.
HomeFreeHome provides access to a better life by carefully analyzing the needs of each applicant and then working to fulfill them. It is an organization of highly trained professionals who give freely of their time and energy in a deeply caring way. I am very impressed by the commitment of the individuals involved in this organization.
HomeFreeHome is a great organization to be a part of! There are so many ways to contribute to help people with disabilities become more self sufficient. In 2006 at the "Founders Dinner", Laura Montlor asked us to all "put on our thinking caps" to find ways to get the word out and raise money for our cause. Lightbulb moment- an annual garage sale at my house! My home has a big front porch, a carport, driveway and VISIBILITY from two well traveled roads! It takes a bunch of dedicated Garage Sale crew member volunteers to pull off the weekend sale. The Mother of Garage Sales/ aka The HomeFreeHome Annual Garage Sale is held on Mother's Day Weekend at 11 & 13 Mill Pond Road, Port Washington, NY. Donations are accepted beginning May 1. In 2008 at the 1st Annual HomeFreeHome Garage Sale raised just over $1,200. In 2009 we raised an amazing $2,800 and in 2010 $2,300 (it rained...). The money raised at this event helps to buy lumber and building supplies for our volunteer labor force. More importantly, it buys freedom for those who need our help in making their homes more accessible, making HomeFreeHome a great non-profit.
HomeFreeHome does it all from outreach, education, consultation, fund raising, construction and wellness. As a volunteer I tabled at two conventions for independent living for local long island people with disabilities. There I met future clients interested in renovations on their homes for great accessibility and wellness as well as future volunteers. It was such an enriching experience to met with a person with a disability, listen to their stories of inaccessibility and barriers in their homes and then through an uplifting process see those barriers fall away. To help fund one project I donated a lot of my clothes and toys to the annual HomeFreeHome garage sale, where the proceeds go to buying construction materials for universal design projects. The other part of my job as a volunteer was to help build a ramp for Glorianna Jackson who was 5 years old at the time. We used heavy lumber and a whole team of local carpenters and friends to make it happen. I also got to watch after Glorianna as the team worked and I think that was the most fun. At completion Glorianna was flying down the ramp at record speeds in her wheelchair. HomeFreeHome does a great job at educating people on Long Island about the possibilities of accessible homes and universal design. With more and more support each year a lot more people will be able to change their living spaces to fit their needs. I am looking forward to the upcoming years.
I have been voluteering with home free home for years and have seen how a little work by a lot of people can change someone's life. Home free home has changed my life simply by volunteering my time on behalf of another person(s) who has a disability and is in need of help. Believe me it will make you feel good to help others. People with disabilities often need the assistance of others before they can continue to live their lives - and they too give others. Let's hear it for home free home and support a great organization.
Aged 64, Paul was born with cerebral palsy and has limited use of one arm. He has "gotten by and made do" for many years, with gerri-rigged ramps and handles allowing him to push his wheelchair around his house. In the bathroom, the edge of the sink cabinet broke years ago from using it as a grab bar. The situation was an accident waiting to happen. He was truly one fall away from spending the rest of his life in a nursing home.
HomeFreeHome is a wonderful grass-roots organization of dedicated architects who donate their knowledge and expertise to families in need of home renovations to accomodate physical disabilites. Although our final kitchen plans vary a little from the original design we were given, the ideas from our architect really helped us to maximize our space which will improve the functionality of the room. Now we can finally say that the cabinets and countertops are on order and we can't wait for construction to begin!
Tell your story here and help others understand this charity An excellent service to those in need of handicapped accessiblity. Very noble work these volunteers do, for people who already have a tough time.
This is a remarkable organization that helps individuals and entire communities through their unique efforts building in conjunction with awareness, advocacy, and support. HomeFreeHome is an inspirational, active organization filling a very important need in our society. Their phenomenal past projects are indicative of many more great ones to come, and their work truly brings both function and happiness to all involved.
HomeFreeHome (HFH) helps people with disabilities make their homes accessible to wheelchairs and other kinds of mobility / emergency equipment. They provide advice, architectural services, help in obtaining work permits and finding certified contractors to do the construction work to make the changes necessary for this. They also have organised fundraising events for some families that are in need but cannot pay for the work. The directors and staff at HFH are professionals with a conscience, who, through their nationwide efforts, are making a difference in the day-to-day lives of many people who live with disabilities.
As a student intern volunteering for HomeFreeHome was an exciting and valuable learning experience. Working to tear down barriers for people with disabilities really made a big difference. Meeting so many people who do not allow their disabilities limit them has been truly inspiring!
What makes this nonprofit so special is that it is filling a very important need in peoples lives. Either thru illness or aging - housing must be accessible & not only to the occupants but their guests.
I have known about the socially conscious architectural work of HomeFreeHome since its founding. This is a group with a clear vision, energetic board and enthusiastic members that is destined for success.