Davis County, Utah — As colder weather approaches, Habitat for Humanity is stepping up its efforts to assist vulnerable families in Utah facing critical home repairs. For residents like Amy Rackham and her father, David Arnold, who have endured nearly two decades of health and household challenges, programs like Habitat’s Critical Home Repair offer more than just fixes—they provide a chance at stability and dignity.
A Personal Story of Resilience and Urgency
Nineteen years ago, David suffered a life-altering brain aneurysm, and since then, Amy has been his devoted caretaker. Their old home has seen one emergency after another—from a broken washing machine to a leaking water heater and a malfunctioning stove.
“It’s just a day-by-day on how he does,” Amy shared. When the heating system started failing, she knew they needed help fast before the winter cold set in.
After reaching out to Davis County for resources, they were connected to Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair program, which provided timely interventions for problems Amy hadn’t even noticed.
Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair Program
John Russell, Director of Critical Repairs, explains that the program takes a comprehensive approach to assessing homes based on residents’ needs and their daily quality of life.
“We prioritize emergency repairs for lower-income families to ensure their homes are safe and livable,” Russell said.
Currently, the program has over 60 applications pending but faces an urgent funding shortfall of approximately $300,000 needed to address the most immediate cases before freezing temperatures arrive.
Calls for Support from the Community
Beyond financial support, Habitat is actively seeking partnerships with manufacturers and contractors to meet the rising demand.
Kristina Nelson, Development Director, warns:
“We’ve identified 20-30 homes with emergent needs that must be addressed now before winter worsens conditions.”
Despite existing federal grants and county funding, the resources fall short of the growing needs, underscoring the importance of community involvement.
The Gift of Stability and Hope
For Amy Rackham, the repairs made to her father’s aging 1973 home feel like the best Christmas gift imaginable.
“I’m still in shock with all of this,” she said, reflecting on how a simple request for help with a water heater evolved into comprehensive aid.
Their story embodies the impact of Habitat’s mission: providing safe, decent housing and fostering hope in Utah communities.
As winter looms, Habitat for Humanity’s urgent response to home repair needs offers critical support to Utah families navigating hardship. Community support, whether through donations, volunteering, or partnerships, remains vital to sustaining these life-enhancing efforts.
