Veteran and avid volunteer receives new roof and more.
Local sub-contractors and volunteers complete much-needed emergency repairs for Lehigh Acres family
Builders Care, with the help of local Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) members and volunteers, has completed renovations at the Lehigh Acres home of the Phillip and Barbara Ruggieri.
Volunteering has always been a part of life for the couple who regularly volunteer at the Our Daily Bread food pantry in Lehigh Acres. Phil, 73, is retired from the construction industry and a veteran of the United States Air Force. He only has one lung and suffers with COPD. His wife of 26 years, Bobbie, 70, is a registered nurse and volunteers regularly with the Compassionate Care Clinic that serves residents in Lehigh Acres at no cost.
In the past, Phil & Bobbie were able to assist others in need through their contributions to different charities. Recently, they found themselves with a severely damaged roof and dangerous water damage that lead to significant mold growth and nowhere to turn for assistance. Family members were also struggling financially and were not able to help. Besides the structural dangers of a major roof leak, the growing mold was proving to be a major issue with Phil’s health problems. The Ruggieri’s tried to save money and get assistance for more than a year; even taking on repairs that they could do on their own. The roof leak proved to be too much and a neighbor referred them to Builders Care and helped them fill out the application.
Builders Care was able to provide assistance with the help of the State Housing Initiatives Program administered by Lee County Community Development. Renovations included a new roof with new woodwork in many areas, new kitchen cabinets, drywall repair, paint and more. Thirteen local businesses contributed to the project and donated construction management services, design services, plans, carpentry, plumbing, fixtures, paint and more. Construction services totaled more than $25,000.
To everyone whom entered their home, Phil & Bobbie shared their appreciation for their newly renovated home. “I just love it,” Ruggieri said. “I literally feel a weight lifted off my chest and my blood pressure lowered. We cannot thank you enough.”
Tom Killingsworth with Harbor Springs Building Company spear-headed the project and led building partners to complete the project in just 5 days. Other contributing partners included 3D Builders, Cabinets Plus, Cape Coral Plumbing, D. Peck Roofing, Full Spectrum Plumbing, JTE Electric, Kinetico Quality Water Systems, Lee Drywall, Mark’s Dumpster Services, Performance Air, North American Pipe, TPI Aluminum Specialties, T&M Portable Restrooms, T&P Cleaning Services and West Coast Insulation.
This project makes no. 128 for Lee BIA Builders Care, increasing the total emergency construction services provided to over $1.9 million since 2006. Photos of this project and previously completed projects can be found on the web site at www.LeeBuildersCare.org.
