"A Batch of Angels" Fall Repair Fest 2025

“It isn’t officially Fall until Fall Repair Fest!” shares one of our long-time volunteers, and she’s exactly right.

On October 25th, 109 general volunteers from across Indianapolis joined 12 volunteer Site Supervisors as well as Home Repairs for Good staff to provide critical home repairs for 11 older homeowners, including two veterans and our oldest homeowners served that day, who was 89 years old.

Of those 109 volunteers, 61 were joining Home Repairs for Good for the very first time.

In the dark, early morning, volunteers arrived at the Edna Martin Christian Leadership and Legacy Center. They settled in with a continental breakfast and chatted with fellow community members.

Before heading out to the day’s projects, Lisa Cole, our Director of Community & Partner Engagement, and Dr. Cameual Wright from CareSource shared heartfelt remarks about why this work matters so deeply. They spoke of older adults who simply need a hand to stay in the homes they love.

Once volunteers were dismissed, they spread out across the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood to build a ramp, paint a garage, clear major yard overgrowth, clean gutters, and even install brand new gutters on a home that didn’t have any.

Each repair helped ease the concerns of older homeowners who live with disabilities or on fixed incomes at or below the federal poverty level, making it difficult to afford these essential repairs.

One homeowner, Larry Huggins, shared,

“I’m not used to people doing anything for me. People offer—never mind, I don’t accept things,” he said with a laugh.

Back in 1993, Larry started a food pantry at his church where he stocked a “Bless Box” with dinners. On Fridays and Mondays, he would fill the box at the church and then drive downtown to hand out pizzas to those in need.

Reflecting on the day, he smiled and said:

“I would have never been able to do any of this. It’s almost like how God sends a batch of angels for somebody, and then y’all leave, and they’re stuck with the blessing,” he chuckled with joy.

All of the repairs completed during Fall Repair Fest were provided at no cost to homeowners living at or below the federal poverty level. For many, the choice between an expensive repair and other essentials isn’t really a choice at all.

Because of our volunteers, these 11 homeowners didn’t have to make that decision. They can stay in their homes safely, comfortably, and with peace of mind.

To every volunteer, sponsor, and supporter who made Fall Repair Fest possible: thank you. Your time, compassion, and willingness to show up made all the difference.

Each year, Fall Repair Fest reminds us what’s possible when neighbors show up for one another. That’s what Home Repairs for Good is all about.

Save the date for next year’s Fall Repair Fest on October 24, 2026!