February 28, 2023
It was something as simple as a hamburger that brought Bertha and Joaquin Cruz together fifty-four years ago. Bertha worked at her parent’s hamburger stand on East 1st and young Joaquin, just back from four years in Vietnam, got up the nerve to chat with her. Their first date at the movies was the beginning of a long, lasting love and friendship. They bought their second home in South East Austin so their children could attend better schools. While the house held up well over the years, upgrades needed to be made. Joaquin started working on their kitchen but became Ill and couldn't complete it. A bad fall meant he needed a walker and suddenly, getting into the shower was difficult and going outside to their patio, impossible. Bertha learned about the Meals on Wheels Home Repair program through her sister, who had received their services in her own home. She went online and applied and they were quickly approved. Because of The Home Depot Foundation's generous funding, Bertha and Joaquin received upgraded cabinets and new flooring in their kitchen. Even more important, they got a walk-in shower and a wider door for Joaquin's walker. Bertha was especially happy about the steps leading to the patio, so Joaquin could enjoy it again. "We feel so blessed," Bertha says. " It was the best Christmas gift we could have received."