by Jenn McDaniel
2007-08-20

MACAA's Hope House provides six-month accommodations for people who would otherwise be homeless. Monday night, one of the four apartments at the house is boasting a brand new look.

Marie Washington is thankful she and her two girls have a place to stay at the Hope House.

"Knowing that I have somewhere to lay my head. Have somewhere for my children to be," she says.

But Monday night, she and MACAA both are celebrating something more. One old unit at the Hope House is now like new. Directors say renovations were necessary. No work had been done on the unit since the opening in 1988.

"Individuals come in in the dark, and I feel that with better lighting and things of that nature they would more succeed," explained Shea Johnson, Hope House coordinator.

But they are guided by more than just new light.

"Every facet that you have in new construction in one form or another we had to do," shared Frank Ballif with Blue Ridge Home Builders.

Community members also donated their time and money to get others off the streets and on their feet.

Although she's staying in one of the original units, Marie can imagine the motivation those following behind her will feel.

"From not having anything, to walking into this nice apartment -- freshly painted, new ceiling fans, new bed, everything just brand new -- and it would, like I said, it's the Hope House; give you hope to know you are going somewhere," said Marie.

People will hopefully move into the new apartment within a month.