Community comes together to build new home for Stuart couple
By
Alisha McDarris
Saturday, June 9, 2012
STUART — When a house fire left John and Ruth Sandifer of Stuart
homeless last September, Martin County residents jumped on the
opportunity to help their neighbors.
A faulty air conditioning unit started the blaze that left the
Sandifer's home severely damaged, but last Friday marked the first
official day of rebuilding thanks to John Haas, Habitat for Humanity,
Driftwood Homes and a large, caring community.
With permits finally secured after months of delays, trusses were put
in place in the intermittent rain on Thursday as John and Ruth Sandifer
watched. The next weeks will see the roof finished, interior walls and
windows framed and hundreds of man hours as carpenters, technicians and
volunteers come together to give the Sandifers not just a place to live,
but a new home.
"They're great people," Alan Morris, owner of Driftwood Homes, said
of the Sandifers. Ruth Sandifer wasn't too shy to give Morris a great
big hug to thank him for donating his time and carpentry expertise. "We
were happy to help. It's a great cause."
Since demolition day in November, when the house on Central Avenue
was gutted, volunteers have been crawling out of the woodwork. In
addition to Habitat for Humanity's coordinated volunteers, members of
local churches and even a group of students from South Fork High School
have been out to help the Sandifers rebuild.
"People here in Martin County tend to respond when neighbors are in
need. It's an amazing place," Donna Dupuy, a marketing consultant who is
donating her time as a public relations representative to help the
Sandifers' cause, said.
John Haas, who works for Morgan Stanley, spearheaded the rebuilding
project when he saw a family in need. He promptly scheduled a
fundraising event at his home where friends and family donated $32,000
to help a deserving family.
"These are two hardworking people who never rest and never held their hands out," Haas said.
Local businesses also contributed. Martin County NisAir Air
Conditioning and Heating donated an air conditioning system and Martin
County resident Dan Braden volunteered his architectural services.
Hurley Electric has volunteered their services for electrical work,
Mancil's took care of the demolition at no cost and Waste Management
offered large garbage bins and removal services for the garbage.
"It's really been a community effort," Haas said.
Ruth Sandifer couldn't be happier at the prospect of a new home, but said she never lost hope.
"My peace and joy are a gift from God. You can weather any storm with those two things," she said.
Ruth said almost immediately after the fire, friends and neighbors
began responding with help in the form of food, furniture and living
essentials. She never expected so many people to donate their time and
energy to rebuild their home, either.
"We're so blessed. I'm so thankful for each and every one of (the
workers) out there. I could never thank them enough," she said.
Morris said he hopes to get the Sandifers moved into their new home by the end of the summer.
To contribute to the rebuilding process, contact Habitat for Humanity in Martin County at (772) 223-9940.
© 2012 Scripps Newspaper Group — Online
Source: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2012/jun/09/community-comes-together-to-build-new-home-for/?print=1
