WARM celebration for 13 years of service

Leola Davis suffers from arthritis and can not comfortably stand for too long. Stairs used to be the only way Ms. Davis could access her backyard, until she received a “WARM” gesture. Volunteers with Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry built her a ramp, so she can easily get around in her wheelchair.

“I just love it, I’m really enjoying it,” said Davis.

Volunteers also installed three new doors in Ms. Davis’ house. These are just a few of more than 400 of WARM’s home repair projects over the past 13 years.

“When WARM was born, I don’t think anybody thought it would get to this level,” said WARM Executive Director JC Skane. But with one in five North Carolina homes considered substandard, WARM’s help is greatly needed. The organization serves low income people, mainly the elderly and disabled.

“I think a lot of them, I think they’re doing a good job and I wish one day that I can do a good job for them,” Davis said.

Ms. Davis said the generosity of the volunteers has made life easier and more enjoyable. “Before I couldn’t even go up to the corner, but now I can go all around the block and come back.”

Skane added, “Just seeing that gratitude on their face and them saying thank you and we’re so grateful and what can we do for you, that’s what makes this job so rewarding.”