Did you know 71% of the earth’s surface is covered in water but only 4% of that water is fresh? Or how about that 60% of the adult human body is made up of water? It’s pretty clear that water truly is life. We need it to sustain our communities and people need it to survive. Yet, there are still homes across the United States that have incomplete indoor plumbing. It is hard for some to believe that this is a reality for others, as the natural resource of water is something we come to expect and often take for granted.
For one of our clients, Ms. Alberta Brown, lack of indoor plumbing was a daily reality. She had to walk to her neighbor’s house to buy water from them and then carry it back to her own home. She also described feeling “ashamed” when she had guests to her house because there was no indoor bathroom for them to use.
Fortunately, we were connected to Ms. Brown. She is a kind, humble and big-hearted woman who simply needed someone to come alongside her to make sure her home was equipped with the basic necessities of life. After determining she was eligible for services through our indoor plumbing and housing rehabilitation program, we sprang into action. Our team connected Ms. Brown with the resources necessary to construct her a new home.
The end result is a home that has functioning indoor plumbing, an indoor restroom and heating. She no longer has to keep her house warm through a wood-burning stove. Ms. Brown marveled, “I have to actually go outside to know how cold it is.” Not only does she have a home that keeps her safe, dry and warm—her utility bills were reduced in the process.
We are thankful for the ways we are able to support amazing people in rural communities, like Ms. Brown.