Builders Care, with the help of local Lee Building Industry Association (BIA) members and volunteers, has completed renovations at the Lehigh Acres, Fla. home of Phillip and Barbara Ruggieri.
Volunteering has always been a part of life for the couple who regularly donate their time to support Our Daily Bread, a food pantry in Lehigh Acres. Phil, 73, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force is retired from the construction industry. He has only one lung, and suffers with chronic lung disease. His wife of 26 years, Bobbie, age 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, the couple was 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 led to significant mold growth. They were unable to afford the necessary repairs, nor were family members who were also struggling financially. In addition to the structural dangers of the major roof leak, the growing mold was a concern given Phil’s health problems. The Ruggieris tried to save money and sought assistance for more than a year, even taking on repairs that they could do on their own. The roof leak proved to be more than they could handle and a neighbor referred them to Builders Care.
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, 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 and Bobbie shared their appreciation for their newly renovated home. “I just love it,” Phillip 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.
