Dallas City Council Woman Carolyn Davis kicked-off student program to renovate homes for the elderly, low-income families.
On Saturday, June 5th, Westwood College faculty, staff and students from the Dallas campus made a difference. Mr. Charles Gilyard, a 65-year-old widower lives alone, survives on social security income, and is on oxygen. Now he can smile and take in a fresh breath of air. More than 25 volunteers from the Westwood College Dallas campus helped repair the baby blue, wooden house he has called home for the last 45 years.
“I am so proud and so thankful to those that are making this happen. I am really looking forward to Saturday,” said Gilyard. “My friend Miss Nixon and her husband told me about a house close by on Pine St. that had this done so I decided to fill out the application,” he said. “I would like for more people to know about this great program,” he added.
 |
|
Westwood College Dallas Campus and The City of Dallas Housing Department have joined together in the “People Helping People” Project to help kick off one of three scheduled home repair projects in South Dallas, starting with Mr. Gilyard’s home. “This program gives us the opportunity to take care of our elderly and/or disabled citizens, rather than penalize them because they do not have the financial resources or means to make the repairs themselves,” said Ki Thompson, Program Chair at Westwood College.
The project was also an important learning experience for the students. Not only were they able to practice classroom skills in a real world situation, but they also received additional free training. All volunteers were required to complete a “Safe Work Practice Training” course. Participants received a safety certificate certified by the City of Dallas, which is a requirement for all City of Dallas construction workers.
Councilwoman Carolyn Davis also attended the event, giving her support to the effort. She praised the group for volunteering their time and talents to such a worthy effort.
A second date has been added to continue working on Mr. Gilyard’s home. The Westwood team will gather on June 19, 2010 to finish the repairs. To get involved, please email Ki Thompson.
To learn more about “People Helping People” please visit the City of Dallas website.