Disabled woman gets house painted and secures long-term Medicaid and homecare through Brothers

Elizabeth Reed’s life has been complicated due to her battle with multiple sclerosis — a disease that causes symptoms like vision loss, pain, fatigue and impaired coordination.

The 65-year-old Aurora resident works hard to maintain her home, but the physical demands are often too much for her. Her house’s exterior paint was chipping and peeling off. And she also needed assistance with cleaning her home but couldn’t afford a housekeeper.

But through word of mouth, Reed learned of Brothers Redevelopment’s Paint-A-Thon Program — a service that utilizes volunteers to paint the exterior of homes for low-income and disabled homeowners. Through the program, Reed not only got her house and deck updated with fresh paint — she was also connected to the nonprofit’s senior services Aging in Place Program. Through Aging in Place, Reed was able to acquire assistance with cleaning her house, thanks to Brothers staff.

“I couldn’t afford to get my house painted, and I don’t know who else would’ve been able to do it. The paint alone made me feel better about pulling up into the driveway and seeing my house,” said Reed. “It looks so much better. It’s also been nice being able to get help accessing the resources I need.”

Since May, Brothers Senior Services Coordinator Rene Quihuiz has been assisting Reed by helping her secure long-term Medicaid and homecare. Reed said that before she accessed the Aging in Place Program, she was ready to give up on her quest to receive home cleaning services.

“I was frustrated because it was a long process of going back and forth with (other agencies). (Quihuiz) encouraged me to keep going at it and that he was going to do his part to see if he can get the ball rolling,” said Reed. “If it wasn’t for him, I probably would’ve given up.”

This year, the Paint-A-Thon served 151 people and completed 95 projects across the metro area and in Colorado Springs. The Aging in Place Program has served more than 2,000 Coloradans this year.

You can help Brothers continue to support residents like Reed by donating to us on Colorado Gives Day (Dec. 7). You can schedule a donation here.