Enfield was one of nearly two dozen communities where volunteers came together to revitalize homes of low-income families Saturday.
The projects are part of “Homefront Day,” where faith communities, civic ground and corporations all work together to fix up deteriorating homes for free.
Robert Atiyeh, who was the project captain at one house on Elm Street and has been involved in Homefront Day projects for over 15 years, said that they have a “safe, warm and dry” model, meaning they focus on doing work that will ensure residents have a sound and safe homes.
He said volunteers come from all over and include everyone from high school students to professional contractors.
“Tremendous satisfaction to be able to give back to the community,” he said of the projects.
Atiyeh, who is part of the St. Patrick’s Church of Enfield volunteer team, said that volunteers fundraise throughout the year to pay for the projects, and they also apply for grants
Homeowners facing financial hardships, like James and Janet Lafountain, said they are grateful for the assistance.
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“I’m 71 years old and the house got away from me,” James LaFountain, who is a veteran, said.
The LaFountains said they’ve loved working with the volunteers and that having the work done is a huge comfort.
“When you get older, it gets emotional, ‘cause you can’t do things on your own, and you want to keep your home, and this allows us to keep our home. So it’s overwhelming,” Janet LaFountain said.
The couple has been living in their home since 1952.
“They’re replacing the windows. They’re fixing my cellar door. They’re painting. They’re doing a lot,” James LaFountain said.
Homefront volunteers have repaired about 3,000 homes from 1988 through today.
