Habitat for Humanity Neighborhood Revitalization helps local veteran.

From left: Officer Skinner, Darlene and Carl Roedig, Chief Murphy, Officer Steve Case.

Habitat for Humanity Neighborhood Revitalization helps local veteran.

SCOTTVILLE — A Scottville couple recently received help from Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Thanks to the program, Darlene and Carl Roedig received new windows in their West State Street home. 

Due to COVID-19, this year’s Neighborhood Revitalization projects have had to be completely contracted out and the timeline has required a great deal of flexibility, said Jamie Healy, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Mason County.  MD Home Services, a construction partner with Habitat, takes pride in giving back to the community and keeps project costs low, Healy said. 

“This means the world to me and Carl,” Darlene said. “It’s like someone upstairs was looking out for us.”

The Roedigs were selected thanks to the partnership Habitat has created with Scottville Police Department. “Officer Katrina Skinner has a great pulse on the residents of the city,” said Scottville Police Chief Matt Murphy. 

“Skinner and Murphy have served as a tremendous asset to connecting with the homeowners and keeping the communication open in order to get things done during the pandemic,” Healy said.  

Carl is a Vietnam veteran who was sent home during his time of service after his platoon had a scarlatina outbreak.  He has battled with severe heart and lung issues for several years and the extremely drafty windows made it difficult for Carl to stay warm in their home.

“When Darlene explained the conditions they were living in, she shared about the amount of moisture that was created from the cold air coming in and the heat needing to be so high in order to try and keep Carl warm,” Healy said.  “Their utility bills were so high, it has been hard for them to financially keep up.”

The Roedigs have already noticed a change. 

“It’s so warm in here and I can actually see out the windows now since I don’t have to have plastic up”, Darlene shared.  While doing measurements for the windows, the contractor noticed the concerning condition of their kitchen counter and sink.  Although interior repairs are not included in the focus of the NR program, with the financial support from Carl and Darlene’s church, Our Savior Lutheran, the decision was made to make the needed repairs.  

As all program participants are required to do, Darlene and Carl financially contributed what they were able to afford.  “It’s important to our mission that homeowners have skin in the game with these projects, investing in their own assets” Healy said. “We are here to help fill the gaps and provide the resources needed to achieve their housing goals.”  

Funds for the Neighborhood Revitalization projects come from grants awarded through the Community Foundation for Mason County, United Way of Mason County and local donors.  

Donations to Habitat for Humanity can be sent to 1916 W. US 10, Scottville, MI 49454 or click here. 

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