Finding assistance for our seniors who need it can be a challenge, especially if it involves housing. Just moving
into an apartment isn’t really an option in Sussex County. Affordable apartments have a 2 – 4 year waiting list. Often, the best option is to keep the senior in their current homes, but home repairs can be very expensive and programs hard to find. The Caregiver Resource Center luckily found Contractors For A Cause. This is a group of local contractors and business owners who have formed a non-profit to assist with home repairs, ramps and needed services.
Their story began in August 1997, Jim Kyger and Mike Cummings were enjoying a lunch at Cripple Creek Country Club. The conversation turned to gratefulness and what they could do to give back to the community; that following October, Contractors For A Cause had its first CFAC golf tournament. They reached out to some other local friends and contractors to help; thus, our organization was created.
Contractors for a Cause services the Southeast corner of Sussex County and also the Northeast corner of Worcester
County. Their Helping Hands program offers free professional home construction, maintenance, and repair services and advice to disadvantaged community members. Generally, these items include handicap ramps, handicap accessibility (grab bars, shower/toilet support devices), minor leaks, and flooring. One of our ramp recipients
was thrilled to be able to leave their home, “Zooming” again, and no longer having to rely on others to carry them downstairs to get to a ride. Others are just happy to shower again in their own homes. “It’s these messages that keep our organization filled with joy, knowing that we provide comfort and peace,” explained Sharon Moore-
Corraliza, administrator for the group.
Their most recent event, Denim and Diamonds, is an annual fundraiser providing us the monetary means to put back into the community. They do accept outside donations that are tax deductible. Contractors For A Cause also helps other 501(3)C organizations, like CHEER, with modifications. Their flagship build was the Justin W Jennings
Beach House in Bethany, where they negotiated discounts for materials and provided construction management to
help build a beautiful respite house for families with ill children. They have provided help to the Sonshine Equestrian Therapeutic Facility, Camp Barnes, and so many more.
“I am so happy to have a partnership with Contractors For A Cause,” said CHEER Resource Coordinator, Christie Shirey. “Some of our Seniors are living on less than $1,500 a month and don’t have family to help. Finding a way to afford a ramp, accessibility devices or home repairs can be difficult. Without help from partners like Contractors For A Cause, some of these seniors would be unable to continue to live in their home, and some would become
homeless. I am so grateful to have local businesses willing to make such a difference in our seniors’ lives.”
Contractors For A Cause members are solely volunteers and do not collect a salary. Their unified group is committed to giving back to the community.
For those needing assistance in southeastern Sussex County, Contractors For A Cause has an application on their website. The Resource Center at CHEER would be happy to help with this application.
For senior citizens needing assistance in other parts of Sussex County, contact Christie Shirey at CHEER. Her email is cshirey@cheerde.com or call (302) 515-0001 ext. 1061.
CHEER thanks Contractors For A Cause for all they do to better the lives of Seniors Citizens across Sussex County!
Greenwood Caregiver Support Group
1st Thursday 1 – 3 p.m.
Long Neck Caregiver Support Group
1st & 3rd Tuesdays 1 – 3 p.m.
Ocean View Caregivers Support Group
1st & 3rd Thursdays 1 p.m.
Sand Hill Adult Day Program Opening an In-House Thrift Store