A Brinnon Repair Story by Melanie Krupa, Homeowner Services Manager
If your life ever overlapped with Johann’s in any way, he’ll probably figure it out within a few minutes of meeting you. He’s the type of person who loves to make a connection, and knows just the questions to ask in order to ferret out the six degrees of separation in any chance meeting. For instance, it turns out he and I used to work at the same small Quaker boarding school in Iowa, only in different decades.
Community connections and conversations brought Johann and his wife Cathie to Habitat in the first place—another Habitat repair client recommended the program to them. Johann and Cathie were aware of multiple issues at their Brinnon home, and weren’t sure how they could afford the repairs. Now they have new risers on their septic system, a repaired roof, insulation under the floor, and new shower and toilet. Last but not least, their kitchen faucet finally produces cold water! While Cathie felt that the septic repair was the most urgent, it may be the faucet that makes her happiest. “It’s just such a pleasure to have cold water at the sink. It’s the little things that matter—you can do without them, but it’s so nice when they are there.”
Johann and Cathie were both dealing with multiple medical issues while confronting the need for repairs on their home. Now Johann feels they are on the road to better health. “It feels great to have things done. It’s motivating—I’m getting things done in the yard…I’m working on feeling better, and Habitat has helped with that. It’s been a boost, and sometimes you just need a boost.”
Johann and Cathie will pay back part of the cost of project through no-interest loan from Habitat. The health and safety improvements to their home are made possible by Repair Program Sponsor First Federal Community Foundation and the volunteers who raise money in the Quilcene Habitat Store. Johann, a photographer with his own business, Klaass Images, has been able to contribute his photography skills on behalf of Habitat as part of the household’s sweat equity. “It’s so nice having it all done,” says Cathie. “I really appreciate all the work and effort from Habitat that went into it.”