Project Warmth provides heat to residents in need
Date: Thu, Jan 18th, 2007 12:00:00 am
Source: C&G Newspapers
By Heidi Roman C & G Staff Writer
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Local contractors are teaming up to help a resident without heat this winter through Project Warmth, a program started by Great Dane Heating and Air Conditioning.
Thomasina Schenk, who’s lived in her home on Colman, off of Gratiot, since 1984, braved the cold last year without heat.
“I was using the stove and the oven, but that’s not good,” Schenk said. “It was cold.”
But this year she’ll be nice and toasty in her home, thanks to Great Dane. The company installed new ductwork and a furnace in her home last week, free of charge. After Great Dane committed to fixing the furnace, they also asked for help from other local companies to help with other much-needed repairs in Schenk’s house.
“We looked at the rest of the house and couldn’t help thinking she needed a lot more help then we’ll be able to provide,” said Steve Ford, a comfort consultant with Great Dane. Schenk’s home has three broken windows, holes in the roof and insulation problems. She’s been sleeping on a shredded mattress, too.
Schenk is unable to pay for the repairs herself since she lost her job for missing work while she was treated for cancer. Her husband died in 1990, and now the 48-year-old woman lives alone. She also lost about $40,000 when she paid a contractor for repairs, and the work was never complete, she said. FOX2 News’ Problem Solvers aired her story on its newscast and investigated the situation.
Because of the problems she’s had with contractors in the past, Schenk said, she has a had time trusting most repair companies, and couldn’t be more thrilled that someone has stepped up to help her out.
“I cannot thank Great Dane enough, from the bottom of my heart, for what they’re doing in the community,” she said. “I don’t know what I would do this year without heat.”
While this project is Great Dane’s first, Ford said, the company hopes to continue its efforts and expand Project Warmth to help more residents without heat.
“We’re just trying to help someone out who lives, basically, in our neighborhood,” Ford said. He suspects there are many others like Schenk who suffer without heat in the cold months.
“I’ve run across many people that are in great need, but as for those who may be even worse off that we don’t see, it’s hard to say how many there may be,” said Ed Manninen, who works in the township’s Planning Department. He’s the one who originally introduced Schenk to Project Warmth.
“I’m so appreciative of what Great Dane is doing for her,” he said. “They’ve stepped up and took it upon themselves to help her.”
Volunteers have been working on Project Warmth since October and have already enlisted the help of many companies. To name just a few, Darrell Dietman, an electrician, offered to help with an electrical upgrade; The Cleaning Authority will do a thorough cleaning; Christopher’s Landscaping will spruce up the home’s exterior; and Bryers Construction is taking care of the drywall and carpeting.
But Ford is hoping to find more help for Schenk. He’d like to find someone to help with painting, new doors, drywall repairs, plumbing, flooring and cosmetic repairs. Anyone interested in helping can call Ford at (586) 790-2604.
You can reach Heidi Roman at hroman@candgnews.com