Jaren helped fellow service members by working for more than 35 years with the Veterans Administration. Now, at age 83, this veteran is facing life’s challenges mostly on his own. After suffering a stroke several years ago, Jaren could not physically repair his leaky roof and deteriorating doors and windows. He didn’t even have a stove in his kitchen, because he couldn’t afford one.

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When Brenda fell on ice and broke her hip, she didn’t predict the challenges that would result from living on a single income. She required a walker and wheelchair which meant her job at a local maid service was no longer possible. Brenda could no longer afford to fix her broken furnace.

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After losing a son, a local father was struggling to maintain his home and live on a reduced income. His roof hadn’t been installed properly, and he had no resources to replace it on his own.

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Since 2005, United Way of Chester County has helped Jaren, Brenda, and many others like them through the Share the Warmth program, which has helped local residents make home repairs before the most brutal months of the year are upon us. All donations are used to fund home projects by Good Works and Good Neighbors Home Repairs. Both are local nonprofits that train and manage community volunteers in completing the majority of the work.

To date, this program has helped 537 families restore their homes through replacement windows, roof repairs, and new furnaces. It has also restored their hope.

“As the cold weather quickly approaches, we know that more and more families will be in a need of home repairs to help keep them warm, dry, and safe,” said Christopher Saello, President and CEO of United Way of Chester County. “We are so grateful to live in such a generous community, and we once again ask for your help to support this program.”

Similar to the stories above, a shocking number of people are living on the edge of financial instability. In fact, nearly half of Americans wouldn’t have $400 for a leaky roof, medical bill, or other emergency expense. For these people, stress can displace hope and heighten the risk of anxiety, depression, and other illnesses.

Your donation will bring hope to our struggling neighbors. To donate, click here or mail your check payable to United Way of Chester County to 495 Thomas Jones Way, Suite 302, Exton, PA 19341. Please indicate “Share the Warmth” in the memo line of your check, and be sure to indicate if you wish to remain anonymous.

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