Cooperation, Creativity Key To Real Solutions
In September 1994, I visited a woman named Karen in her home. As a staffer for the Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs (SNAP), I meet with people to provide energy conservation information and assistance. Those I see usually pay a higher than average percentage of their income toward energy costs - money they could use elsewhere.
Karen’s energy costs were high, but that wasn’t the biggest problem. Disabled with multiple sclerosis, Karen depends on an electric cart for mobility. Unfortunately, her home was too small to accommodate it. She could get in and out of her bedroom, but she couldn’t reach her closet or open her dresser drawers. Access to the bathroom was another story.
Karen, the mother of two daughters, had tried to find help to expand her home. Each attempt ended in red tape and frustration. I promised to follow up on the efforts she had made and look for other resources.
Our agency’s scope is limited. We focus on energy efficiency; we don’t build additions. But Karen’s situation was so dire that three of us at SNAP continued to pursue some relief for her. Ultimately, we collaborated with Kiemle & Hagood’s Housing Rehabilitation Division. They have funding for loans for low-income rehabilitation projects. So our two organizations worked together to help Karen, even though this type of collaboration had not been done before.
Plus, others chipped in. Bart’s Quality Builders donated materials and labor to add additional space in the bathroom. Karen’s ex-husband, Larry, donated his time and labor. Cavanaugh’s River Inn gave Karen’s family a special rate when she needed housing for a few days during the construction. Everyone involved did more than they had to. They all were impressed with Karen’s personality and attitude.
The end result? Karen’s bedroom has 4 extra feet; her bathroom has 6 more feet and is completely handicapped accessible.
I’ve been in the social service profession for 15 years now and this project gave me hope that as resources diminish, we can find creative ways to work together. These projects are not without challenges and frustrations, but I urge other organizations to try similar collaborations. When we put our differences aside and focus on the need, good things happen. Just ask Karen!
MEMO: Your Turn is a feature of the Wednesday and Saturday Opinion pages. To submit a Your Turn column for consideration, contact Rebecca Nappi at 459-5496 or Doug Floyd at 459-5466 or write Your Turn, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615.