A Brush With Kindness Helps Family Remain Under One Roof

For the past few years the Feucht family has known little but loss and hardship. A year ago, already under emotional and financial pressure from the death of their mother, the four Feucht siblings also lost their father. Suddenly Victoria, Joel, Sara and Billy found themselves struggling under the financial and bureaucratic burdens of homeownership. They were on the verge of losing their St. Paul home, which has been in their family for four generations – 90 years of home and history the Feucht siblings couldn’t bear to leave behind.

Finally, on the recommendation of a family friend, the Feuchts applied to Twin Cities Habitat’s A Brush With Kindness program. Within a few months they had been approved and volunteer crews went to work repainting the house and repairing the roof. Building side-by-side with groups of St. Paul Regulars, South Metro Regulars, St. Andrews Regulars and Mt. Olivet Church throughout the summer, the siblings were impressed by the warmth and generosity of Habitat’s volunteers. Although Victoria had worried that the leaky, damaged roof was beyond repair, “No one gave up. They kept trying until they fixed it.”

While ABWK helped literally keep the roof over their heads, Twin Cities Habitat also counseled the siblings about the ins-and-outs of homeownership. TCHFH was also able to refer them to an agent who helped them obtain homeowner’s insurance. The ABWK rehab also helped prevent further fines from city citations, giving the siblings time to settle back property taxes and other debts.

It has been a tough few years for the Feuchts, but, the sisters say, “We’re still here and we’re still together.” Their home was the glue that kept the family strong, motivating them all during a very difficult time and allowing them to rebuild their lives – together. Knowing they have a place of their own to come home to gives the whole family focus. For Billy, the youngest, this means a chance to succeed in school; for the others, a way to pursue their own goals and work experiences. Inspired by ABWK volunteers, Victoria’s plan now involves giving back and volunteering in her own way to help others in situations like hers.

Contributed by Kelsey Finch