ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange County is committing more money to help low-income homeowners stay safe in their homes, and for one lifelong resident, the impact is already life changing.
What You Need To Know
- Orange County has approved $460,000 for Rebuilding Together Greater Florida’s Safe at Home program
- Funding will support repairs for about 20 homes in unincorporated Orange County
- Army veteran Robert Croker, 72, received major repairs including a new roof, shower, kitchen, and mold remediation
The Board of County Commissioners recently approved $460,000 from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to support Rebuilding Together Greater Florida’s Safe at Home program, which is a nonprofit that provides free home repairs for seniors, veterans, and low-income families.
The group says the new funding will help repair about 20 more homes in unincorporated Orange County this year.
One of the residents who has already benefitted is Robert Croker, a 72-year-old Army veteran who has lived in his childhood home his entire life. After years of wear and tear, and a back injury that left him using a walker, the house he grew up in became increasingly difficult to maintain.
Over time, he said the roof deteriorated, mold grew behind walls, and the kitchen and bathroom needed major upgrades.
When crews from Rebuilding Together Greater Florida arrived, Croker said they transformed nearly every room.
“We’ve got the walls done, and have painted — new floors through the house,” he said as he walked through his home.
In the bathroom, what used to be a tub was replaced with a walk-in shower.
“They changed it and put a walk-in shower and a chair,” Croker said. “I got two handles. They put one on the right-hand side, so I can get in.”
In the kitchen, crews replaced drywall, cabinetry, plumbing and even installed a new ceiling fan.
The repairs also included roof replacement, mold remediation, outdoor support column work, landscaping, exterior painting and more. Croker said it’s work he never could have afforded on his own.
“They saved me a whole lot of money. If I had to do all that right there, it would take — I don’t know, I couldn’t do it,” he said. “Now, I don’t have too much to worry about. I’m thankful for it.”
Rebuilding Together Greater Florida CEO Jose Garcia said the organization focuses on making homes safer and healthier for residents who don’t have the resources to make repairs themselves.
“We are a nonprofit that delivers services to low-income homeowners,” he said. “We repair homes to be healthier and safer for all the residents, especially after disasters or any other issues they may be facing.”
The Safe at Home program helps homeowners who meet specific criteria, including income requirements, homestead status, insurance coverage and up-to-date tax payments. Garcia said roof replacements and air-conditioning repairs are among the most common needs, and that the cost of those repairs alone can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars, far beyond what many seniors and low-income homeowners can manage.
Last year, Orange County awarded the nonprofit $760,000, which helped fund repairs for up to 30 homes. With the additional funding this year, the organization already has a list of approved homeowners ready to receive services.
For Croker, the improvements mean comfort, safety and the ability to age in the home he’s known all his life.
“I’m very happy with it,” he said.