Community helps 20-year Fort Myers native repair home

Reporter: Annalise Iraola Writer: Paul Dolan
Published: Updated:

A woman who is a third-generation Southwest Florida native is getting a helping hand from the community.

For 20 years, Nancy Jackson has lived in her home, but the worn flooring, plumbing, electrical, and many other issues showcasing significant safety concerns for her current health issues and limited mobility.

Lee Builders Care and Christopher Alan Homes partnered together to build Nancy Jackson a brand new home.

WINK News had the opportunity to meet her on Friday to reveal her home.

“Happy I’m so happy I’m so blessed,” Jackson said.

Jackson has lived on the land for 20 years, but Friday was her first time in her brand-new home.

Home reveal. CREDIT: WINK News

Friends, family, and volunteers came out to support Nancy and her new beginning.

“We have a better home to live in, and we didn’t have to don’t have to live in that wreck no mo we have a better one,” Jackson said.

Nancy’s old house had so many issues it had become a safety and health concern.

“In a way, it’s kind of hard to let go, but I knew I needed to let go,” Jackson said.

Ian Schmoyer is the president and CEO of Christopher Alan Homes.

“It was almost unconscionable to see somebody living in those conditions. So we knew right away what we needed to do, but I needed to ask her permission. And luckily, she gave us permission to tear the whole house down and start over,” Schmoyer said.

A fresh start made possible by people like Christy Stouten, the Lee BIA Builders Care executive director.

“Today has been so special. I can’t believe that we finally made it here. It has been quite the journey. And to see Nancy’s face when she saw the house, I knew it was gonna really, really hit her today,” Stouten said.

Builders Care is the non-profit arm of the Lee Building Industry Association. They provide emergency construction services for free to needy and deserving elderly and/or disabled homeowners and their families.

And from the smiles and hugs at Friday’s reveal, it’s clear how deserving and grateful Jackson was for her new home.

Lee Builders Care is made possible partly through fundraisers like the bbq, bands, and brew happening on Saturday.

WINK News is a sponsor of the fundraiser, and 100% of the proceeds support the work of builders care.

You can join the fun at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

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