For years, Michael knew changes were needed in his home. Although he has been cancer-free for six years, the long-term effects of his illness have created new challenges in daily life.
A Navy veteran, Michael served from 1974 to 1980 during the Vietnam War era as part of a helicopter squadron. After his military service, he spent much of his career driving truck. He retired in 2024 after macular degeneration began affecting his vision.
“When I moved to Minnesota, I applied for a trucking job and they hired me on the spot,” Michael said. “I’ve been here ever since.”
Today, Michael lives in a two-story home with his wife, Judy. As his mobility needs changed, he found himself relying almost entirely on the home’s main floor. While the house includes one-and-a-half bathrooms, the only full bathroom is located upstairs and features a traditional clawfoot tub.
The combination of stairs and the tub created a significant fall risk.
In conversations with a friend, Michael learned that many Habitat for Humanity affiliates offer home repair services. Hoping we might be able to assist, Michael reached out to Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity to inquire.
“I knew it was around the corner, so I called,” he said.
Goodhue County Habitat’s Home Revitalization Program focuses on helping homeowners live well at home. Through their Critical Home Repair and Aging in Place programs, qualifying homeowners can receive assistance with projects that improve accessibility, safety, and quality of life. Services may include installing ramps, replacing windows, or, as in Michael’s case, creating an accessible walk-in shower.
To qualify for the Home Revitalization Program, applicants must meet three requirements: they must own their home, live in Goodhue County, and have a household income between 30% and 80% of the area’s median income. While there is no limit on household size, the more adults that are living in the home and earning an income, the more the combined income goes up which could lead to not qualifying for the program.
Michael met the program qualifications, and Habitat staff completed a home assessment. The team determined not only that the shower conversion was possible, but that there was enough space to add a stackable washer and dryer, creating an even more functional main-floor living area.
Completing the renovation required Habitat to redesign portions of both the existing half bath and adjacent closet space. Once construction began, the transformation moved quickly.
From start to finish, the project took just four days.
The result has made a meaningful difference in Michael’s ability to live safely and independently in the home he loves.
“I’m pretty happy with it,” he said.
Through programs like Home Revitalization, Goodhue County Habitat for Humanity helps homeowners address critical repairs and accessibility needs, ensuring they can continue living safely, comfortably, and independently in their homes for years to come.