Lisa Messer, a school social worker in McDowell County, reached out to WNC Bridge Foundation to assist in providing home repairs for a family of three living in unsafe conditions. She shared that the children were straight-A students being bullied at school due to hygiene issues. After speaking with the children’s guardian, Lisa learned the family could not bathe regularly due to major repairs needed in the home’s only bathroom.

The guardian invited Lisa to meet at the family’s 600-square-foot two-bedroom home, where she could evaluate safety issues preventing the bathroom from being functional. Lisa confirmed the bathroom floor was caving in and falling apart, and the toilet was sitting on plywood. Black mold was also growing in the bathroom.

WNC Bridge partnered with another home repair group to purchase materials to completely refit the bathroom and appliances, as well as install a low-entry shower for the guardian’s safety. We also provided funds for the guardian to purchase clothing for the children so they could feel confident in their fresh start. Our donor-supported Greatest Needs Fund helps make many of these requests possible.