CAVC home repairs allow

'House of M' to keep going

Timothy Morgan, Union Pacific national account manager for intermodal marketing/sales, presents a $5,000 check to Jill Martinez, fund development coordinator for Community Action of Ventura County during a luncheon for grant recipients March 12 at the Puente School in Los Angeles.

The plaque on the door, names it The House of M. The photo collage in the entryway shows the many people who have been welcomed into this house, which has served as a home to college students, exchange students and those in need. But, after 40 years, this 1970s home had fallen into disrepair.

I raised four kids in this house. I was a stay-at-home mom and would have been happy baking cookies for the rest of my life, but I divorced in the 1990s and was on my own. My youngest was 2 at the time. With health issues that prevent me from working full time, I’ve only made enough to get by. I just didn’t have the money or the know-how to keep the house up.

The house was cold and drafty, and heat never reached some rooms. The garage door didn’t close correctly. I was embarrassed to bring people over. I called CAVC out of desperation because I needed help.

For the first time in 40 years, I actually feel warm, and there are no drafts. The new forced-air heater reaches every room. I feel safer and more secure with porch lights that automatically go on and off and a secure garage door.  For a woman living alone, that is important.

The new hot water heater prevented a catastrophe. The old one was nearly rusted through and was a disaster waiting to happen.

Over the last year, I’ve saved about $35 per month on the electric and $30 per month on gas, and that has allowed me to put some money in savings. The process was simple and straightforward, and the installation was done quickly and professionally. Crews were very clear about what they could do, and they always treated me with respect and dignity.

I had between $3,000 and $4,000 in work done at no cost. I would never have been able to do that on my own, but the best part is the peace of mind I get from knowing my home is in good repair. I am no long embarrassed to have people in my home. Thank you for keeping the House of M going and for a happier house!                                                                   –    Margaret de la M

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