Walk-in shower is a ‘blessing in the sky’ to retiree and stroke victim
Mr. Hicks (on right) with George, a Habitat volunteer.
By Amy Takacs
Two years into his retirement, Mr. Hicks experienced a life-altering stroke, confining him to a wheelchair. He soon realized the impracticality of living in a home that lacked handicap-accessibility. Fortunately, a friend suggested reaching out to Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County for assistance, setting Mr. Hicks on a path to a transformed bathroom.
Initially faced with a garden tub and a small stand-up shower that were inaccessible, Mr. Hicks expressed his frustration to the Habitat team when they arrived to kick off the project, saying, “If there’s a shower designed for me to use, I’ll probably be in it three times a day!” He added, “That would be a blessing in the sky and would help me a lot.”
Habitat Forsyth’s Repair Team replaced the garden tub with a spacious, tiled walk-in shower equipped with grab bars. Additionally, they repurposed the existing shower stall into a much-needed storage area.
Reflecting on the assistance he received, Mr. Hicks shared, “It was truly mind-blowing to discover that there’s someone out there willing to help me without imposing a financial burden I couldn’t afford.”
Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County’s Home Repair Program assists income-qualified homeowners in correcting housing conditions that pose an imminent threat to life, safety, accessibility and further deterioration of the home. Extending the functional life of the home allows homeowners, often seniors living on fixed incomes, to age in place in the safety and security of their own home.
For more information, contact Habitat Forsyth at 336-306-8424 or frontdesk@habitatforsyth.org. You may also visit habitatforsyth.org/homerepairprogram.
Amy Takacs is the director of marketing and communications for Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County.
