May 2018

COMMUNITY
Home
REBUILT HOME
by Dale King
You may think you’ve heard the last of the Hurricane Irma
stories, but there’s still one untold tale kicking around
Broward County. It’s an account that could easily tap your
tear ducts – because it is sweet and kind and has a happy ending.
When the massive hurricane tore a path of destruction through
the Sunshine State last September, it destroyed billions of dollars’
worth of property from the Keys to Tallahassee. A small portion
of that toll included the roof at the home of Marian Klukiewicz, a
structure in the City of Sunrise that she had called home for five
decades.
Marian was sleeping on a sofa in her living room surrounded by
mold and moisture as the structure decayed around her. Struggling
Deteriorated conditions inside
Marian’s home
Sweet
Repair work being done inside
Marian’s home.
with health issues related to aging, a very limited income, and
no local family, Marian’s situation came to the attention of Robin
Martin, executive director of Rebuilding Together Broward.
Martin, whose organization has received yearly donations from
Current Builders, one of the largest construction companies
in Pompano Beach, reached out to its CEO, Chip Reid, for
assistance. “Rebuilding Together is committed to helping lowincome
homeowners live in safe, secure housing,” Martin said.
“But Marian’s situation was dire, and we were going to need
tremendous help to restore her home. Thankfully, Current Builders
stepped up to the task.”
Initially, Current Builders was approached to see if the company
would donate their time and resources to restore the roof. After
an inspection, Reid and his workers realized that Marian’s house
had been deteriorating for years and was essentially uninhabitable.
Understanding the elder woman’s dire situation, Reid rallied his
employees and partners, and with assistance from Rebuilding
Together Broward County, launched the “Home for Marian”
initiative through his company’s charitable foundation.
The firm, working with a dedicated team of subcontractors,
drafted an extensive restoration plan which included rebuilding the
roof, fixing the plumbing and electrical work, adding new drywall,
painting, acquiring new appliances and installing her first-ever
air conditioning system. Donations of new furnishings were also
secured.
During the months spent on renovation, Marian moved into
temporary housing and was supported by a team of people from
Rebuilding Together Broward, United Way of Broward County, and
Broward County Elderly and Veteran Affairs.
“It was a much bigger job than we initially anticipated,” explained
Reid. “But thanks to an amazing network of partners, we were
able to give Marian a safe, beautiful home.”
From left, Robin Martin, executive director of Rebuilding Together; Marian
Klukiewicz; and, Chip Reid, CEO of Current Builders from Pompano Beach.
“Marian Klukiewicz is an amazing woman who never complained
about her unfortunate circumstances,” Reid said. “We are
honored to restore the home that she has lived in for the past 50
years. Our employees and numerous friends in the construction
industry have graciously donated their time and resources over the
past few months to create a new home for this wonderful woman.”
In late February, Marian moved back into her home, which work
crews literally tore apart – right down to the studs – for a total
overhaul. Now, she will have air conditioning – a convenience she
never had before – along with hot, running water. In the past, she
used her microwave oven to heat water to bathe.
Marian got to meet the workers from Current Builders, and others
who lent a hand in the reconstruction of her home, during a
reception at the Pompano Beach headquarters of the construction
company. She offered gracious and sincere thanks for putting her
house – and her life – back together.
Current Builders launched a foundation more than 10 years ago to
increase its community involvement and to give back to the human
experience. Rebuilding Together is a national nonprofit providing
low-income homeowners with critical residential repairs and help in
reviving dilapidated communities.
“Since our inception in 2003 as the local affiliate,” Martin said,
“Rebuilding Together Broward County has made significant health
and safety repairs to more than 450 homes, changed the lives of
more than 1,000 individuals, and provided an estimated $4million
impact from financial donations, volunteer labor, and donated
materials and supplies.” P
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MAY 2018