“The floor had fallen in, and I was worried to death.” - Velma Scissom, 75
Velma has lived in her house for more than 50 years. After a short stint up north, she returned to her home, Gruettli Laager. She retired on a fixed income after a carrier that included working in local factories and owning a small store. Don’t let Velma’s sweet soul deceive you; she can tell it to you straight!
“Ever since I sold my store, being on a fixed income doesn't leave much money left for repairs,” Velma shared. “I get so overwhelmed at the end of the month trying to stretch what little money I have left that there was no hope for me to fix the floors.”
A few months ago, Velma called Mountain T.O.P. Because of termites and moisture, her floor system had been compromised. Utilizing the Housing Preservation Grant from USDA Rural Development, Mountain T.O.P. was able to fund major repairs to Velma’s home and significantly improve the health of her environment.
Almost immediately after Mountain T.O.P. participants removed the old floor covering and framing, there was a marked difference in the air quality in Velma’s house. “There was a lot of mold growing on the ground and foundation because the house is sitting on the side of a hill and all of the water from the top of the hill pools up in the corner of her house where the floors collapsed, “ shared Dan Eby, one of Mountain T.O.P.’s Service Area Managers. Velma’s floors weren’t just a safety risk. They also posed a serious risk to her health.
From research, we know that people who experience home-based toxins like mold are more likely to experience poor mental or physical health. Mountain T.O.P. sees housing as a social determinant of health. Poor housing affects a variety of factors like the readiness for work and learning or the ability to age in place. In short, it’s not just about the floors. Just like Jesus points us to a flourishing of life both physically and spiritually, Mountain T.O.P.’s mission encompasses the entire abundance of life: physical, spiritual, emotional, and social.
Because Velma’s floors are now repaired, she has a peace of mind - physical and emotional well being tied together. Velma was also able to connect socially with the Mountain T.O.P. participants. “They were wonderful,” she shared. "Mountain TOP is like family. Y’all have to come visit when you are in the area. I'll let you stay on my blow-up mattress on my new floor!"