First Impressions as a Program Specialist

This article was written by Kristen Supik

Hands on Housing Program Specialist

I have been working as the Hands on Housing Program Specialist for four months, and in my brief tenure, I have met homeowners with the most grateful, humble, and beautiful spirits. The most notable recent encounters came from a new funding grant we received through Austin Energy called Plus One, which assists homeowners in paying outstanding utility bills at a maximum of $1500 per customer per year. This funding allows us to reach out to our families in a new facet of service, as we typically focus on home repairs. Their reactions upon learning that, after months of delinquent balances and late fees, their utility bills will be paid indicate how much of a burden we are able to relieve because of this support. I can visibly sense the weight lift from their minds as I explain that, should they qualify, often, their entire balance will be paid. Their tears and thank yous explain the rest.

The homeowners we serve through HOH oftentimes help us more than we help them. Many are elderly, disabled, and live alone, and enjoy the company so much that they will tell you their entire life story before the meeting is through. They bought this house with their husband in 1962. Their cousin lives down the street. The neighborhood is changing and they are sad that they don’t know everyone who lives around them anymore. It is a reminder that in the wake of Austin’s staggering growth remain individuals who have lived here for decades and should be able to spend their final years in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. It is a blessing to hear their stories, and although we are able to help them through paying their utility bills or repairing their homes with desperately-needed renovations, they help us as well. They have humility, optimism, and faith-filled gratitude in abundance, and inspire us to better live with these same qualities. I am honored to have met many of these homeowners in my time here at iACT, and I look forward to hearing more of their stories and learning how to live and serve others as they have.

For more information about Plus One, affordable home repairs, or to volunteer, please contact us at 512-386-9145 or hoh@interfaithtexas.org.