news-record.com

Housing Greensboro, a nonprofit organization that does home repairs for low-income Greensboro residents, performed a "Labor of Love" Feb. 13 through 15.

At the home of 90-year-old local activist Marie Stanley, volunteers did roof and structural repairs, a bathroom-accessibility renovation and interior painting, plus organizing and cleaning out crawl spaces and a back shed.

"There were over 50 people volunteering, and we even had to turn some people away," said Gene Brown, executive director of Housing Greensboro.

"We couldn't have found a more deserving person than Mrs. Stanley," he said.

Stanley is a past recipient of WFMY's "2 Those Who Care" award for her efforts to obtain a mobile medical unit for home- bound individuals. She was also president of the Piedmont Civic Club and served as state representative for the national Good Sam's Campers Association among many other efforts.

"You can't just sit back and relax," Stanley said. "I tried to help people all my life, and a lot of them helped me."

Stanley has given a lot to the city of Greensboro and the city is taking the opportunity to give back to her.

Stanley's daughter and son-in- law traveled to Greensboro from Florida to assist in the repairs.

"This is the greatest program we know of," said Janey Smith, Stanley's daughter. "It's a godsend."

The project was funded by a grant from Lincoln Financial Group, and volunteers were members of the Triad Apartment Association.

The apartment association brought with it volunteers with a combined total of 200 years of experience in repair and installation and more than enough people to do the work, Brown said.

"Relationships develop, and this restores hope and dignity to homeowners and blesses volunteers with the opportunity to give," Brown said.

To be eligible for a repair project from Housing Greensboro, candidates must be residents of Greensboro, owner and occupant of the home, and have a household income below 50 percent of the area median income. To apply, contact the Greensboro Housing Coalition at 691-9521.

Contact Lindsey Hughes at lindsey.hughes@news-record.com or 373-7080.