Builders Care announces its next "Extreme Home Makeover"

Ivery Abbie Ivery cannot use her washer or dryer due to aging electrical and plumbing systems in her utility room. Failing window air conditioning units are all she has in the hot summer months, and her lights work only some of the time. Everyday life is difficult for Ivery, 63, who works nights as a residential caregiver for autistic adults.

On Friday, April 4, Builders Care, the nonprofit arm of the Lee Building Industry Association, will begin $40,000 worth of repairs on Ivery's home, located at 2963 Powell Street in Fort Myers. The project begins with a brief ceremony at noon.

In a collaborative effort between Builders Care, the State Housing Initiatives Program through the City of Fort Myers, McGarvey Development and local building subcontractors, volunteers will install a new roof, windows and air conditioning. They will also address the hazardous electrical issues and rebuild the kitchen.

"Mrs. Ivery has been trying to get help for several years, and we are happy to be able to help her with the assistance of McGarvey Development and the City of Fort Myers," said Heidi Davis, Builders Care executive director.

COURTESY PHOTO Abbie Ivery's Fort Myers home will receive an "Extreme Home Makeover" from Builders Care, the nonprofit arm of the Lee Building Industry Association. The project is expected to take ten days to complete, with the new improved home being unveiled on April 14.

Builders Care is the non-profit charitable arm of the Lee Building Industry Association. Its objective is to provide emergency repairs and construction services to elderly, disabled and economically disadvantaged people who are unable to obtain home repairs through traditional means. Builders Care enlists the volunteer services of Lee BIA members and leverages grants and donated materials to provide construction and remodeling services to qualified homeowners throughout Lee County. Builders Care is headquartered at the Lee BIA offices at 4210 Metro Parkway, Suite 100. Donations can be made online at www.LeeBuildersCare.org or to the Builders Care general fund at any Colonial Bank. More information is available by calling (239) 938-0056.