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Batavia-based group helps low-income homeowners with repairs

It all started with windows.

The late Bob Hawse went to visit an elderly friend who was home recovering after surgery. He arrived at her home and found that the house was an unbearable temperature. When he tried to open a window, he saw that all the windows had been painted shut. Within 24 hours, Hawse had new windows donated and installed.

He realized that there were quite a few people in the Fox Valley who could use a helping hand with home repairs and maintenance. In 2006, he brought the problem to the attention of the folks who had worked on relief projects with him in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Together, these energetic and generous volunteers formed a new organization, Home Assistance Volunteer Effort Inc., or HAVE, whose primary focus was to assist those who don't have the money or the ability to take care of minor home repairs.

A volunteer coordinator developed a computer database to identify the volunteers and what jobs they felt confident doing. If someone needed a water heater installed, the volunteer coordinator was able to find the right person immediately by accessing the computer.

Here's an organization where every dollar you give will be used to help someone who might really be in need or on a fixed income without the means to add additional expenses. In some cases, the recipient might be able to help with the expense but just doesn't know who to call to do the work. The repairs are free for single residents with a household income of $19,000 or less. For married couples, the income level is $21,000 or less. Labor is free, regardless of income level.

"Our goal is to keep people in their homes as long as possible," said volunteer Ron Jayne. "Often a neighbor will call us and the recipient will say that they're not a charity case or don't need the work done. It doesn't take too long for them to realize that we're just a nice bunch of guys wiling to help."

Sylvia Chiplis, current president of the group and phone coordinator, said that the volunteers are not deterred by some of the initial reactions of the people they serve. Her husband, Larry, has been a volunteer since the group began.

"Larry has a wife and five daughters," she joked. "He is used to dealing with women. In the end, it's so rewarding for him and the other volunteers. The people are so appreciative of the help."

The Batavia-based organization serves residents in the school district boundaries of Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles. They work on home repair projects as simple as changing a light bulb to as complex as building a handicap ramp. They also do plumbing repair and many other household repairs. Labor is always free.

I was able to see the work that this group does firsthand when I took a friend to a doctor's appointment. She had had major vascular surgery and was a bit unsteady on her feet after having a tooth extraction. When she went to get into her house, she almost missed the first step.

For years she and her late husband had talked about putting railings on their home. She realized that now it was a necessity.

Within 24 hours Larry Chiplis was at her home installing new railings at her front and back door. She gladly made a donation to cover the cost and was so pleased with the work that was done.

The group is always looking for new volunteers who have basic "handyman" skills and a desire to help others.

"Some of our volunteers have had to drop out because of health reasons, so we are always looking for new people," said Jaynes.

The service group is also in need of donations for materials. In the past, they have received donations from community service organizations, churches ad private individuals.

"One year, I was invited to make a presentation at the Shodeen Homes Christmas party," said Jaynes. "The employees donated $3,000. Then Kent Shodeen stepped up and matched that amount."

That donation enabled HAVE to purchase materials for those who couldn't afford them.

To get in touch with HAVE, call (630) 375-7227.

Need help? Or want to help?

• Are you a "jack of all trades" type of handyman (or woman) with some extra time to spare? Or would you just like to donate to a very worthwhile 501(c)3 organization?

Contact Home Assistance Volunteers Effort Inc., P.O. Box 971, Batavia, IL 60510, or call the organization's hotline at (630) 375-7227.

• Do you have a repair around the house that needs to be done? Or do you know of someone who might need help? Give HAVE a call.

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