Page 14 - Lowcountry Homes Guide

assess the structure and nizations and estimates he receives seven
choose the project that or eight requests for assistance each week.
will make the most sig- He would love to see the organization be
nificant impact on safety able to expand and take on more proj-
and quality of life for ects in Beaufort, even into the surrounding
the resident. Throughout communities. “The need is great, and it is a
the years, Drake has cool group of people to work with. They’ve
devoted quite a bit of all got stories and been through some
time to these projects things. I think we are the only group that
and completed the re- is focused entirely on seniors." These days
quirements to become a Drake says he splits his time about fifty-fifty
Certified Aging-in-Place between his business and his nonprofit, but
Specialist through the he would happily cut back his time with his
National Association of construction business to spend more time
Home Builders. Poten- with Under One Roof. He is hopeful that
tial clients complete an he and his supportive board of directors
application to ensure can win more grants to provide the funding
that they meet the for even more projects in the future. Along
income and homeown- with increased funding for projects, another
ership requirements. Un- organizational need is a larger pool of
der One Roof evaluates volunteers. “The goal would be to develop
the home and chooses a pool of volunteers—our jobs don’t take
projects that will mostly that long, a day or two or even a couple
improve the safety, com- of hours for more specialized skills—so that
fort, and accessibility of we could blast out an email and let people
the house—often things, respond if they can come out and help us
like entrance ramps, with that project.”
grab bars, modifications Under One Roof has been serving the
of bathrooms or living community for over a decade, and it is
projects annually, depending on the cost areas, wood rot repairs, floor repairs, and poised to continue to make a difference for
of the repairs. Local churches and civic window or door replacements. the aging residents of Beaufort. The non-
organizations have been very support- Over the years, Under One Roof has profit has the capacity and expertise to be
ive of the work. Drake mentioned that St. grown from a one-man show in Drake’s able to help more people each year with
Peter’s Catholic Church, St. Mark’s Episco- backyard to an organization complete with more funding and more skilled volunteers.
pal Church, and Sea Island Presbyterian regular volunteers, a board of directors If you, your church, or civic organization
Church had provided regular funding to with office space and materials stored are interested in volunteering, partnering
the project. Local businesses, like Grayco, at their current location on Depot Road. with, or making a contribution, you can
offered Under One Roof a discount on ma- Drake often collaborates with other orga- contact Richard Drake at (843) 781-6770.
terials, and 100 Women Who Care made
a significant grant to the organization as
well. The Beaufort Fund of Coastal Com-
munity Foundation is their most substantial
and longest-running partner, awarding
them an annual grant to support their work
each year. The organization received a
grant this year from the ElderCare Trust
Fund , an initiative of the South Carolina
Office on Aging , that is focused on help-
ing South Carolina Seniors live productive
lives and avoid institutionalization.
The types of services provided by Under
One Roof vary from situation to situation
but are most often related to improving the
mobility, accessibility, and safety of the
resident. Sometimes the home will have a
variety of necessary repairs, and Drake will

50 April 2020 | BeaufortLifestyle.com