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Outline of Need:
The local Rural Development office in Provo, Utah received a phone call from Pete Pasquali, Jr., of rural Summit County, asking if we might be able to help his 88-year-old father buy a new heater and make some improvements to his home. Mr. Pasquali had built his home just after World War I and lived there ever since then.
Rural Development learned that Mr. Pasquali's eyesight is almost entirely gone and his only source of heat was an old pot-belly stove in the middle of the floor. Every day he would light the stove by piling up wood and paper, and gasoline on top of that, then throwing in a match. The fire would blaze up but he could not tell if he had lit the stove until he felt warmth from the fire. His daughter-in-law worried daily that he might burn himself.
How Rural Development Helped:
Rural Development staff traveled 120 miles to Chalk Creek in Summit County to see what improvements Mr. Pasquali needed to his home. The family had made some repairs, such as installing insulation and indoor plumbing, but Mr. Pasquali badly needed a new heater, more insulation and replacement of a very cracked, uneven sidewalk in front of his home.
Mr. Pasquali's son said he would do the work if we could provide the money to buy the materials. After Rural Development's initial inspection of the hazardous conditions in Mr. Pasquali's home, staff in Utah were determined to help this family.
The Result:
Rural Development provided the Pasquali family with a $1,500 grant for essential home improvements. Mr. Pasquali's son used the funds to install a new propane heater and outdoor propane tank, a new front walkway, more insulation under the house and around the foundation, and new siding. Summit County Housing also assisted this gentleman and provided money for his son to buy and install new doors, caulk all around the home, complete vacuum testing of the house (to insure air flow for the propane heater) and install new flooring for the kitchen.
The Pasquali family is grateful for all the help they received so that their father can live safely in a more comfortable home.
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