ATLANTA — Fall is here, and low temperatures have started to sweep across metro Atlanta.
For one east Atlanta resident, these low temperatures mixed with a broken furnace made for some chilly nights, but a local non-profit stepped in to help.
T’Resay Drape-Jones is an Army command sergeant major and has served for more than 20 years.
She said this new furnace came at the right time.
“Last night, I knew it would get chilly from the rain, but I had no idea it would get this cold, so this is right on time.”
After a phone call with Kirkwood Cares representative Justin Schaeffer, Drape-Jones said she received more services than she ever expected.
Kirkwood Cares is a committee within the Kirkwood Neighbors Organization that identifies and provides critical repair support to Kirkwood residents, according to their Facebook page.
Over the last few months, various locally-owned electrical and roofing repair companies joined together to provide free repairs to Drape-Jones’ home.
"Almost every local business in Kirkwood has donated to us,” Justin Schaeffer with Kirkwood Cares told 11Alive.
“I don’t have a lot of money to meet these needs, but I get to raise money which is a lot of fun,” he said.
Natalyn Archibong is the District 5 representative with the Atlanta City Council, which includes much of east Atlanta.
Archibong said these donated repair services provide long-term benefit to Kirkwood’s residents.
“This fills one of the gaps in the affordability piece. In terms of affordability, we talk about the price to buy, but not about the cost to stay,” she said.
“There’s not about maintenance costs or the quality of life that gives you dignity,” Archibong added.
T’Seray Drape-Jones said receiving these donations for her home has been an incredibly humbling experience.
“It shows me that when you are a giver and you give to others, it is good to allow others to give to you,” she said.
For more information on Kirkwood Cares or to get involved, visit their website.
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