Save Our Springfield: Making It Happen at Miss Maggies

[sheclown]

an update:  I went by today and notice some furniture on the porch.  Before I could scold, I was asked to come inside by some very proud and smiling faces. 

Inside Miss Maggie's a total transformation is taking place.  Her family has been busy making the once depressing and drab interior into a place fit for the Grandma. 

Here are some photos of my tour of Miss Maggie's house today.

Her dining room with a place to display her glasses

[uptowngirl]

What a fabulous job they are doing! I am so happy for Ms. Maggie :-)

[sheclown]

Kitchen appliances have been added and a new vinyl flooring, the kitchen walls have been painted

[sheclown]

new tile in the bathroom

[sheclown]

and a new living room

[sheclown]

With a helping hand... you can change the world.

[strider]

Wow!  And what a great example of the difference between punitive ways of dealing with potential problem houses and supportive ways.  Punitive, like the notices and fines of before and supportive, members Preservation SOS and the community coming together to help and support. A relatively small investment in money and time has netted more rewards for this community than anyone would have thought. Among so much else, we get Miss Maggie's smile!

[iloveionia]

"There is no higher religion than human service. To work for the common good is the greatest creed."
-Woodrow Wilson

Gloria and I were welcomed into Miss Maggie's home back in July.  Two complete strangers to her, but she said "come on in." And we did.  You don't even know.  This can't possibly be the same house. 
 
These pictures bring me to my knees.  Words can not describe any of my feelings.  This is what love, friendship, and giving selflessly does.  My heart, well, it couldn't feel any fuller than it does at this moment. 

I'm thinking Miss Maggie got more than she prayed for, or MAYBE, she got exactly what she prayed for. 

[iloveionia]

Remember Miss Maggie?  How could you forget, right?  Well say hello Kenneth.  Join us on November 20, 2010 on E. 9th Street for our 2nd Make it Happen Project. 

[Timkin]

Amazing work , folks !!!

[iloveionia]

Update.
We have ridden on the coattails of Miss Maggie's project for years.
Each summer I would stop by and check in with Miss Maggie. She would talk on and on about how beautiful her home was and how happy she was there enjoying it's beauty. The neighborhood truly gave Miss Maggie a gift.
As Miss Maggie's health declined she moved with one of her daughters in North Carolina.
With her move the family did not keep up with her property taxes and unfortunately the home was sold in the tax lien sales recently.
With that sale, the new owner listed it on the MLS for sale.
A loss?
No.
Miss Maggie was extremely happy in her home the neighborhood brought back to life for her.
And the new owner down the road gets a home touched by a neighborhood that cares very deeply about its people and old homes.

[sheclown]

Anyone who watched Miss Maggie dance at the end of the job knows that it was worth it.

Thank you Nicole for watching over this family. 

[JaxUnicorn]

Anyone who watched Miss Maggie dance at the end of the job knows that it was worth it.

Thank you Nicole for watching over this family.

It was indeed a joy to see!!