The first time Rick Brooks volunteered with Home Repairs Ministries, helping make a family’s space safe and livable, he knew he had found something special.
“You think you know when somebody’s living in poor conditions, but you really don’t until you walk into some of these homes,” he said. “Being able to help change that is just a miracle.”
Rick learned about Home Repairs around three years ago while attending a Bible study led by Richard Lusk, a member of the organization’s board of directors. He had recently retired from his four-decade career in sales and was looking forward to devoting more of his time to volunteering.
“My career was great, I loved what I did, but I don’t know that I got extreme satisfaction from it,” Rick said. “I’ve always been involved in the church and have a strong belief in Christ, and I just feel that part of what He wants us to do is give back.”
Self-described as being a bit of a handyman around the house, being able to work with his hands was an initial draw for Rick to Home Repairs. As part of a volunteer work crew under the guidance of a site supervisor, he was able to meaningfully contribute to the work that needed to be done. But it was the hearts of the people he served and those he served with that really touched him.
Rick recalls helping a foster family who had taken in a number of kids despite their home needing significant upkeep and repairs, including drywall work, painting and yard cleanup.
“They were very financially strapped, but they were giving back [as foster parents], so that really piqued my interest,” Rick said. “My heart really went out to them.”
He saw this family serving in their way, while the crew he was with used their own gifts and treasures to help as they could with positive, joyful attitudes, going where they felt led by Christ.
“We always open up with a prayer, then we roll up our sleeves,” Rick said. “I think everybody’s willing to do whatever it takes.”
At this particular house, volunteers noticed there was a trampoline on the property but the ground was too sloped for kids to use it safely. Even though it wasn’t part of the plan, the crew picked up shovels and started leveling the yard.
“The kids were so excited,” Rick said. “So while some people were inside painting, everyone took turns digging, and everybody was just glad to be there.”
After helping with several projects, Rick was asked to join the board of directors, bringing not just his handyman skills, but also his insight and wisdom to Home Repairs as the organization is growing.
Rick said there’s been an increase in calls as more people are learning about Home Repairs and requesting help.
“I think we’re going to be able to touch a bigger part of the community over the next three to five years,” he said. “Our plan is to double and then double again.”
Part of this growth is coming from the scope and scale of projects. Rick said traditionally, Home Repairs has focused on smaller projects such as repairing rotting decks and replacing siding. But with Heather Loveridge coming on as the organization’s executive director last year, they’ve sought grants and other ways to expand their capabilities to meet the needs of the community.
Home Repairs now has a skilled HVAC volunteer along with developing relationships with plumbers, HVAC companies, electricians and others. The organization also recently secured a Gwinnett County grant to provide plumbing repairs, driving an increase in calls for that.
“That piece is taking off and we want to continue. We want to keep expanding our scope,” Rick said, adding that Home Repairs also tries to find alternatives to refer people to if they can’t help.
Even with this growth, Rick said the heart of Home Repairs remains its focus on glorifying God and being His hands and feet.
“When we’re out there, we’re talking about God,” he said. “We try to keep Christ at the center of our work. It’s not blatant, but we’re always injecting Christ into the conversation.”
As the needs of Home Repairs continue to grow, Rick encourages everyone to come see firsthand what they’re doing in the community, just like he did three years ago.
“No skills are needed, just your time and desire to serve Christ,” he said.