We are working with our builders to get everything together, but we keep getting asked questions. Why does Chaz need the house so bad? What is the rush? (I have to laugh about that question. I don't call 13 months a rush, but ok.) Why can't we just build up it is so much cheaper? Why does he need a one story house? Why can't we just live in the house we have?
Well Chaz and I decided we should show you exactly why. Here are a few videos we recorded.
This one shows how Chaz takes a shower every morning. Notice there's not a lot of room for him once he gets into the shower.
Every morning after he finishes his activities upstairs, he comes down so he can be on the bottom level with us. Keep in mind, he has to go back up the stairs in the evening.
And how does he go to the bathroom? Here's how.....
Yes he has to use one of our dining chairs to get to the toilet. His wheelchair will not fit in the bathroom and other devices wouldn't either. So we are doing the best we can for the situation. And yes, yes in his hop to the chair has slipped. And yes, yes he has fallen and been hurt a few times. :(
Here are some of the pictures of the damage that has been done to the house. These first three pictures are from his wheelchair trying to get in and out of the downstairs bathroom. I cannot tell you how many times his chair has actually gotten stuck in the doorway of the bathroom.
These next three are from his chair trying to get around the kitchen.
The next two pictures show the most dangerous area in the downstairs for him. This is the place where his chair got stuck and caught on the threshold and flipped him out of his chair on to the floor. He has been stuck in this doorway more times than I can count. He has also pinched his fingers in this area more times than I can remember as well.
I have always called our kitchen a "two butt" kitchen. When Chaz's butt is in there, you can't really fit another butt in it. ;) There isn't enough room to turn around and walk around at the same time. So when he is in the kitchen we just stay out of his way. We leave a coffee cup down for him at all times, but he has to yell for us to help him reach the other cups, plates and bowls. He has to have our help getting food from the pantry and the fridge. He cannot reach the microwave. The kitchen list goes on and on.
Basically he has to have us help him in every part of the house. He cannot reach the towels and wash clothes in the bathroom. He cannot access really anything without help. Of course we do not mind at all, but we want him to be independent.
Unfortunately the average American thinks the VA pays for our severely wounded housing needs. WRONG.....the VA will give veterans with similar disabilities a grant of $67,555 approximately 6-9 months after the house is completed and after they feel the house is up to their standards. In other words it is up to the veteran to figure it all out and then wait for the grant to come. The fair market value of a house to suit a veteran with Chaz's needs is between $300,000-400,000. So what are we doing? We are taking out a loan to cover what the non-profit cannot.
The list of our severely injured customized needs is long and expensive. This would be why so many non-profits have been created to help our veterans with their home building needs. We are using one of them to help us. But they cannot take on the entire bill alone. They need donations and volunteers. Maybe you can't physically help build our home, but you can help in other ways.
You can come race with us on May 31 (or maybe race with us virtually). Here's the link for more information on the race. https://www.facebook.com/TheChaseForChaz
Can't make it to the race and want to donate? Here's the link for monetary contributions.
https://secure.west-point.org/9linefoundation/chazallen/
Want to do more? We will need and want your help!! Please contact us and let us know how you can help us get this home built this year for Chaz!!
I suppose it's too much to ask for people to just mind their own business? You shouldn't have to defend the need for a house that Chaz can actually LIVE in! Lifting up prayers right now!
ReplyDelete1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.
Eloquently understated. Building "up" isn't cheap, either .. I've received quotes from $35,000 to $55,000!
ReplyDeleteTrue peace can only come from Christ. Praying!
ReplyDeleteJohn 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.