My Dear Friends:

Thank you for all the hard work you have done in painting and restoring my home. Many compliments come to me that belong to you.

You may wonder why an old lady would live alone in a house large enough for a family. Well I best let the house It's self tell you.

In 1941 a young couple had me constructed. They brought four darling babies into my shelter in that decade. It was a happy time and many were the friends and relatives that passed through my doors. The children and she were left alone [when her husband left her]. She secured a position in the library, but poverty was upon them. The children were good, worked hard, studied well, and played with enthusiasm. I was proud when they grew strong and went away to college. I also wept a little when there was one less place at the table. Happy were the holidays when they were all back here under my roof.

There was always room for someone in need of shelter under my roof. One fifteen year old girl stayed here until she finished high school. She turned out real well and went on through college. Two youths just out of high school were homeless and stayed here. They were good fellows and went to work and paid their board. The mistress still receives birthday and Mother's Day cards from them. Time came when the youngest lad finished college and they had all moved into their own homes.

For the first time the ticking of the clock was all that echoed through my rooms. Tragedy struck suddenly to the family and they all gathered here again. I hovered over them and kept my walls around them. Though the mistress is alone most of the time now, I am here ready to offer shelter and protection in times of need. Also I look forward to celebrating and rejoicing in many festive occasions. The keepsakes in my junk room, the shrubs in the yard and some of the nicks and dents you may have noticed as you painted all tell a history of the love that lived in my shelter.

So my dear friends, you have not just painted a house, you have restored my home.

My mother came by and almost passed the house! It came out really nice; it's beautiful. It's the prettiest house on the block!

I'm looking at this house with praise for the good work that was done and with gratitude to the folks who did it. The house is saying, "thank you!"

I couldn't afford [this] on my income. It will enable me to stay in my home longer.

She walked around saying, "Oh my God, it's just beautiful. It's SO pretty." And she cried when we left.

Love Letters

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Powerful & Meaningful Results

Debra Williams' home has a new coat of paint, thanks to Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful and quite a few volunteers, including a good friend who did much of the work. Throughout the painting project she wrote or telephoned to tell of the progress…

Her words mean more when you know that she has suffered from significant depression for 5 years and has been unable to work. With her gracious permission, we share her story. And we are pleased that she is now on the Paint Tacoma-Pierce Beautiful Planning Committee; she wants to give back to the community --- helping others get the kind of gift she received.

On the phone in July:

This whole week has just been a glow. I've never painted before, not even inside, and now I'm doing it! I'm coming home again; it's like I've been on a long vacation. It's my face to the world. This is so exciting.

August emails:

This project has been a huge boost -- getting me outside and finding I could be part of a project bigger than myself---and actually doing the painting on the front porch and knowing I have improved something that I will see every day!

This project goes far beyond slapping some paint on some wood…It is a timely part of my personal process of returning home, and getting ready to move back into the world.

The pride I feel at seeing the new coat of paint is multiplied by my appreciation at the community volunteers who participated in this project.

December email:

To share how the painting of my house is continuing to make a big difference in my outlook and my heart... The green color fits in beautifully to this winter season. For the first time the house is adorned with clear white icicle lights on both eaves, and the holly bush is adorned with red lights that glow like holly berries. The result is a house that takes my breath away and brings tears to my eyes. My house has become a home of warmth and love and peace. Thank-you for your part…

The program changed my old, 1928 home from a dreary, run-down looking neighborhood eyesore into a bright & cheery asset to the community. My neighbors are as grateful as I am.

I couldn't have asked for more: …the generous spirit of the crew, their hard work and great food, and the crew was very professional……..This gave me hope."