Volunteers help spruce up New Fairfield veteran’s home
NEW FAIRFIELD — Even before he saw the finished product, 90-yearold veteran Chuck Finnegan had one word to describe the experience of having dozens of volunteers spend the weekend fixing up his Barnum Road home — overwhelming.
“There is no end to my gratitude — none,” Finnegan said. “I appreciate what every one of them is doing.”
By the end of the day Saturday, the volunteers would apply a fresh coat of paint to nearly every room in Finnegan’s house, replace bent shingles on the back of the home and finish trim or other repairs outside. The day before, they had replaced all of the home’s drafty windows and storm and entry doors that had been broken.
About 15 volunteers worked on the home Friday night and around 30 for most of the day on Saturday.
The project was led by Stamford-based nonprofit HomeFront, the Home Depot Foundation, high school volunteer organization RebelsCare and St. Edwards Church. Volunteers also included Western Connecticut State University students and teachers.
“It’s a collaboration,” said Doris McDermott, a volunteer coordinator with RebelsCare.
The Finnegans residence was the 30th home revitalization for a veteran that Home Depot Foundation funded with HomeFront, which aims to keep lowincome homeowners in their homes by providing substantial repairs at no cost to them.
“For years, The Home Depot Foundation has led by example when it comes to honoring the sacrifices of veterans,” said Kenneth Wiegand, chair of Homefront’s board. “HomeFront is proud to join forces with them.”
Overall, HomeFront has revitalized more than 3,000 homes and provided $50 million worth of service over 20 years.
McDermott said that once a homeowner is chosen for a project, she and Volunteer Coordinator Debbie Blum do a walk through the home and identify what needs to be repaired. They then call on groups of local volunteers to help get the work done.
And though Finnegan, who was in the Navy during the Korean War, humbly insisted that he wasn’t deserving of the help — the volunteers disagree.
Rich Drygas, who has volunteered with HomeFront for 20 years, said he got involved to help his community and neighbors in New Fairfield. When a project is completed, he said, it is a good feeling to see the homeowner happy.
“It’s a way to pay it forward,” Drygas said. “Hopefully we won’t need it in the future, but somebody will.”
Chuck Finnegan, 90-year-old veteran
“There is no end to my gratitude — none. ... I appreciate what every one of them is doing.”