July 20, 2022 – Lynn Journal
After almost of year of construction, Vincent Gunning is moving back home. Mr. Gunning is a disabled Vietnam Veteran and retired postal carrier, who lost his leg in 2002. Relying on a prosthetic leg had made it difficult for him to manage the upkeep of his house which had been in his family for generations. With only one bathroom upstairs and peeling linoleum on the floors, living in his house had become unsafe.
But Essex County Habitat for Humanity stepped in to help last summer. Through their Aging in Place program, along with crews of volunteers and generous donors, they have thoroughly rehabbed the house. Now with a bedroom and accessible bathroom on the first floor, as well as a ramp to the side door, a new roof, updated electrical and heating, and much more, the house is ready for Vincent to return home with all his memories and family history.
His return was celebrated in a Home Dedication at the home on Southside Ave in Lynn on July 12. Over 30 people who helped with the project, including the volunteers who worked over 3700 hours on the build site, donors who gave financially as well as building materials, and professionals who provided services pro-bono, were in attendance to view the final results of their labor, to wish Vincent well, and to have a piece of cake!