Two Wellington women organize ‘Brush with Kindness’ to assist low income homeowners
by Amber Schmitz, Sumner Newscow — Seeing a need in the community, Lynne Tompkins, and her daughter, Jamie Sowersby, both of Wellington are organizing a group to assist low income homeowners with repairs.
“We went to seminars on A Brush With Kindness, and we think it’s going to work really well here,” Sowersby said.
A Brush With Kindness is an organization made up of local volunteers who want to provide local homeowners with needed help of repairs, maintenance, and limited upgrade of their homes. In order to apply for assistance, you must own your own home, be current on your property taxes, and need repairs done that you can’t afford.
“Right now, we’re trying to tie up the loose ends to get started,” Sowersby said. “We’ve already received a few applications.”
The group would like to start out doing simple projects, such as cleaning yards, installing wheelchair ramps, hot water heaters, and stabilizing roofs.
There are different payments options available, including a promissory note or payment plan.
“Labor is free, because we have people who volunteer to do the work,” Sowersby said. “All they have to pay back is the cost of materials. If you have the ability to pay it back, that’s all we ask.”
They haven’t established workers yet, but are hoping to get everything up and running soon.
“We have talked about asking businesses to sponsor projects as well,” Sowersby said.
Currently, there are nine members of the group, and a few honorary members.
Applications are available at the Chamber of Commerce office, the City office, local church offices, or by writing to ABWK, PO Box 775, Wellington, KS 67152. Applications are to be mailed to the above address.
