Woman throws housewarming party after local nonprofit, businesses save her home
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) - Finally, home sweet home for Alvah Boyd.
“Much better,” said Boyd. “As you can see, I got a smile on my face now.”
She’s back in the house she bought in 1971 and lived in for decades until about seven years ago.
Ms. Boyd’s struggle started with a stroke and an aneurysm.
“I was in the hospital for about a month,” said Boyd.
She wasn’t able to make necessary repairs to her home. City code enforcement issued ticket after ticket.
City inspectors declared the home dilapidated and made plans to demolish it.
At 74 years old, she found herself staying with relatives temporarily, painfully ironic for a woman who dedicated her life to helping others in situations just like this.
"I spent my whole life doing nonprofit and community activities,” said Boyd.
She’s served on OKC’s Housing Authority Board and Northeast Homeownership Consortium.
"Working to make things happen for other people that were in distress, underprivileged,” said Boyd.
Restore OKC, a metro nonprofit, was touched.
"We've never tackled anything this big on home repair,” said Josh Dodson, with Restore OKC.
They teamed up with more than a dozen contractors and companies who donated time and tens of thousands of dollars worth of materials.
"Honestly, your first video drew some attention. So, we had a couple contractors reach out from the very beginning,” said Dodson. “You guys did a follow up story a couple months later… people just started to call, email.”
Ms. Boyd officially moved back in about a month ago.
"I probably spent the first couple of nights crying, thanking God for my blessing,” said Boyd.
On Friday, she hosted a housewarming party to show her appreciation to everyone who’s helped her along this journey.
A full circle moment.
“I never thought I'd be on this end of the spectrum,” said Boyd.
An important life lesson.
"I don't care who you are. I don't care how much money you have,” said Boyd. “You always treat people the way you want to be treated."
The following companies contributed to this effort:
| Integrity Construction and Roofing |
| Blackstar Services LLC |
| Herman's Plumbing |
| BMS Cat |
| Nail Commercial Interiors |
| Cherokee Building Supplies |
| Brims Carpet |
| Discount Garage Door |
| Mark Anthony Construction |
| Moxie Pest Control |
| Warhall Design |
| Metro Surfaces |
| Connor Cox Construction |
| OHFA |
| Neighborhood Housing Services |
| Bo's Insulation |
| City Pres Youth |
Anyone interested in supporting more home repair projects through Restore OKC, as they start a trades based job training program, can learn how to get involved here.