April 30, 2020
“I’ve been poor all of my life, but I’m happy,” says 91-year-old Neomi Sustaita.
Ms. Sustaita still lives in the house she and her husband Ben, a World War II veteran, bought in 1949. The house holds many happy memories for her. It’s where she raised her daughter and where she helped care for her grandson, two great grandchildren, and even a great-great grandson.
Now days, she lives alone. Mr. Sustaita, who was a carpenter, passed away nearly 25 years ago. In the past couple of years, the home had fallen into disrepair and Ms. Sustaita lacked the funds to pay for much-needed repairs. But she was determined to stay in the house. “It means everything to me,” she says of her ability to age in place.
Thanks to generous funding from The Home Depot Foundation, she is able to do just that. Meals on Wheels Central Texas’ Home Repair program put in a new roof, all new siding, replaced all of the windows, and built a ramp that makes it easier for Ms. Sustaita to get in and out of her home.
And she couldn’t be happier with the finished results. “I’m just grateful to still be living in this house,” she says before expressing her gratitude to The Home Depot Foundation. “I’m very appreciative. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”