Jimmy: The Homeowner Who Wanted to Pitch In

https://youtu.be/-sYP7K5EDME

It’s not every day that we have a homeowner who is both willing and physically able to work alongside our volunteers. For Jimmy, though, it only made sense to “pitch in a helping hand too,” especially because he appreciated their help a “great, great deal.”

Jimmy works paycheck to paycheck in housekeeping at a local nursing home. While his work may primarily involve keeping things clean, what he takes the most pride in is the personal connection he makes with the residents he encounters each day. He understands that some residents may only see their family members on special occasions, such as birthdays or holidays, so he makes an effort to give them a moment of connection whenever he can.

“And so when I am in there working, they sit and talk to me, and I can tell by their smile—they smile at me, and I smile at them back. And then before I leave, I always tell them, ‘Have a blessed day.’”

That same sense of comfort and connection is something Jimmy values in his own home.

When he gets home from work, he enjoys being able to simply “be peaceful”—sitting on the couch, turning on the TV and enjoying some time to himself. He describes his home as a “safe haven,” a place where he doesn’t have to worry about what’s happening outside or the burden of paying high rent for “a place that will never be yours.”

Jimmy has lived in his home for the past 13 years. As an Indianapolis native, he says one of the things he enjoys most about living in the city is the “basketball scenery”—a fitting answer given the excitement surrounding Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, as well as the Pacers’ recent NBA Finals appearance during the 2024–25 season.

For Jimmy, however, enjoying the comforts of home also means dealing with the challenges that can come with homeownership.

Through no fault of his own, people had been dumping chairs and other large items, including a refrigerator, into Jimmy’s backyard near an alleyway. The accumulation of debris ultimately led to a citation from the Marion County Public Health Department and a $2,500 fine.

Jimmy's garage debris needed to be removed as well as items that were dumped by others onto his property.

For someone already living paycheck to paycheck, the unexpected fine was more than Jimmy could afford. He explained his situation and was ultimately connected with Home Repairs for Good.

That’s where 25 eager volunteers from Elements Financial stepped in.

Working alongside Jimmy, the volunteers were able to clear the majority of the debris surrounding his garage. But they didn’t stop there. A second lot belonging to Jimmy also needed attention, so the team cleared the excessive overgrowth along the fence line, helping restore the space and tackle another concern on the property.

Elements Financial volunteers pictured with Jimmy where the debris was previously located.

And, true to his word, Jimmy wasn’t content to simply stand by and watch. He was right there alongside the volunteers, doing what he could to help finish the job, a homeowner wanting to pitch in.

Jimmy’s willingness to help others is clearly part of who he is. When asked to share something about himself that people may not know, he said:

“When anybody sees me, they can tell by the way I talk to them and respect them that I’m just a friendly person to be around.”

That certainly rings true from our experience with Jimmy.

From the way he treats the residents at the nursing home to the way he welcomed our volunteers onto his property, Jimmy seems to understand the value of making people feel seen and appreciated.

And while we were grateful to be able to lend Jimmy a helping hand this year, his story is also a reminder that there are many more homeowners who need that same support.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, every dollar donated to Home Repairs for Good can now be matched up to $50,000, helping us double the impact of your gift and reach even more homeowners before the end of the year.

If you’ve thought about giving before, or have been looking for the right time to get involved, now is a great opportunity to help more homeowners remain safely and comfortably in the homes they love.

Join us in making an impact by giving a gift that will be doubled.