In the summer of 2011, we launched A Brush with Kindness program. We have long recognized that there is a tremendous need throughout Bennington County to help people who own their own homes but who do not have the resources to complete essential minor repairs or to complete basic weatherization measures to make their homes safer and more energy efficient. With this in mind, we looked for a few families who could benefit from this program who live in the Southshire to get started with this program. In due course, we hope to have sufficient financial resources and volunteers to expand the program to other parts of Bennington County.
Below are some slide shows of projects we have done over the course of the past two summers.
During the summer of 2012, we replaced windows for Louise Guertin of Pownal. Louise had this to say about what we did.
"I would like to express my thanks to Barth and the people who worked with him to make my home more energy efficient. I truly appreciate the new windows, back door, and insulation and enclosure under my back room. I am sure all will help to keep me warmer this upcoming winter with less oil consumption. A Brush with Kindness is a great program. I hope it continues into the future in order to help other individuals have more energy efficient hones. Your work is so appreciated. Thank you again." Louise Guertin
At this home, the primary project was to replace a bathtub enclosure that leaked. Volunteers painted around the enclosure and made the bathroom look nice.
The basement of this home was flooded during tropical storm Irene. The sump pump stopped working when the power went off. The walls were ruined. We removed the wet sheetrock and wood and replaced it.
To Elise, John, Dick and everyone who helped me rebuild my cellar - I am very grateful for all hours of hard work you put into this project. Thank you again for covering the cost of materials at Home Depot! Dale Jackson
We built a wheelchair ramp that was custom made for the right height for the car and to gain easy access to the home.
On this home we replaced a front and back porch that were unsafe. Rosemarie Jackowski wrote a very special tribute to Noble Levesque, one of the volunteers who helped rebuild her porches. Read the tribute.