DETROIT – Our home is usually the largest investment that most of us make during our life.
But living in a house, is not something that just runs on automatic pilot.
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Over the course of time, things will break and deterioration of the physical structure will occur.
When we are dealing with the daily cost of living and the up-keep of our home becomes a demand, we have to shift our spending priorities.
Most senior citizens, 30 or 40 years ago, where able to make those adjustments. But today with the high cost of medicine, food and other necessities, sometimes it just becomes impossible to address the up-keep needs of their homes.
What do they do?
Well, that is where Pastor Marvin Youmans steps in.
Three years ago, after having a conversation with some folks in Oakland County, he learned about a program that provides a helping hand to senior citizens who were struggling to make home repairs.
Rev. Youmans has served as pastor of the Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church on Oakland Ave in Detroit for 15 years.
This has given him a good perspective on the needs of the neighborhood along with allowing him to establish extensive personal relationships.
Rev. Youmans form the North End Ministers Alliance to help provide a structure that could address the issue of seniors whose house's needs repair.
For the past three years, through the leadership of Pastor Youmans, a cadre of supporters and volunteers have come together for this effort.
Supporters like Comerica Bank, Next Detroit, Detroit Area Agency on Aging and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Foundation have contributed resources.
Mr. Al Founche serves as House Captain, he organizes and coordinates the work of contractors who volunteer their services, such as contractors; Bailey Tate of Candai Construction, Derrick Love of L&L Builders, Young Detroit Builders and Mr. White's Pluming.
They also have an annual fundraiser that assist in covering costs.
Five houses have been rebuilt through all of their efforts.
In order to qualify the seniors must be low income, be up to date with taxes and insurance on the house and they must have the deed to the property.
"There are so many that have a need. We are constantly developing ways to raise resources so we can aid those in need," said Pastor Youmans. "The church must continually find ways to demonstrate Christian love and that love must become active in impacting the lives of those in the community."
Pastor Marvin Youmans is truly an " Everyday Hero, Making a Difference"
On a daily basis in spite of life's struggles and challenges, there are people who reach out and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
That is why Local 4 and a prominent local clergyman, Rev. V. Lonnie Peek, Jr. have teamed up to tell their stories.
Do you know an everyday hero in your life? E-mail us and tell us about them.