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Ms. C
Franklin Square, Baltimore City

2024

Ms. C, was one of 10 children. Her parents were originally from North Carolina, but moved to Baltimore and settled in West Baltimore near Monroe Street and New Shiloh Baptist Church. With four girls and six boys, her childhood was filled with laughter, love, and, of course, a little chaos. Her family settled. This is where Ms. C found a sense of community that has lasted a lifetime.

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In 1992 at 24 years old, her mother encouraged her and her sister to buy a house instead of renting an apartment. A close friend of the family lived in the neighborhood  and she was familiar with the area. Her mother wanted her and her sister to remain nearby for their safety and happiness. Their realtor helped them find homes within one block of each other. 32 years later, she and her son still live in this home.  

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The home Ms. C chose had a unique charm, particularly the railing leading down to the basement, which she loved. As the years passed, she watched as the neighborhood shifted, noting that while many of the families with children she once knew lived nearby, there were now more of a mix of renters and homeowners. Most of the neighbors keep to themselves and the neighborhood is quiet except on the weekends when the bar down the street is open. 

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Ms. C’s health took an unexpected turn when she began to have issues with her kidneys. In 2007, she was diagnosed with kidney disease, and after a transplant in 2011, she unfortunately faced complications in 2016 leading to regular dialysis three times a week. “One of my neighbors was there for me when I came home from work and had passed out after dialysis. I am grateful to her.”  

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Over the last six years, Ms. C and her son faced significant repair issues in the home. A leaking roof dripped into the bedrooms. The bathroom was also impacted by the roof leak and one of the bathtubs was cracked from years of use. The kitchen ceiling was collapsing under the weight of the water leaks. The back porch was collapsing. The stress was overwhelming for Ms. C, especially since she had to use towels and buckets to catch the water from the leaks.

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After Ms. C’s sister experienced a fire in the vacant home next door to hers, they decided to visit a resource center in Downtown Baltimore in search of help for their homes. Ms. C discovered Rebuilding Together Baltimore and decided to give us a call. 

 

Rebuilding Together Baltimore was able to:

  • Repair basement stair and install lighting

  • Repair outdoor steps and railing

  • Provide pest control services

  • Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

  • Replace kitchen ceiling

  • Repair bathroom tub, showerhead, and leaking sink

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RTB Program staff member Spencer was able to provide support, check on the progress of the repairs, and ensured her home stayed dry. “He was a very nice man and made me laugh often. I enjoyed working with him.” Ms. C says about working with Spencer.

Today, Ms. C’s home is a testament to her resilience and community support. -  “I am so grateful for the service and I'm so glad we don’t have to use the buckets anymore.” The repairs and accessibility modifications,   provided assistance that will help Ms. C live peacefully in her home for many years to come. 

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