Surrounded by his faithful four legged friends in his living room, Larry Holdredge reflects on a difficult year.
He recently lost his wife and his home has seen better days.
“It’s hard to be alone after 48 years of marriage,” he said.
As if losing a loved one wasn’t hard enough on his mental health, Holdredge has been dealing with an aging roof, but he knew he couldn’t afford to fix it.
Then one day, he was introduced to the Impact Project, a faith-based non-profit that performs home repairs, free of charge.
Pastor Joe Wickman was one of the many volunteers banding together to help Holdredge when he needs it the most.
“Scripture’s pretty clear that if we really love people, we need to love them with more than just words," said Joe Wickman, New Life Ministries lead pastor.
Impact Project volunteer Tyler Brink is no stranger to helping those in need. He’s been part of many of the now 124 home repairs the group has performed over the years.
“It’s pretty special. I don’t really know how to describe it. When you do something for people that they can’t do for themselves, it really is its own reward,” said Brink.
Holdredge is also a Vietnam War veteran, and for many of these volunteers, this was the perfect way to give back.
Impact Project leader Jim Willard watches on as yet another community member is helped thanks to the support of his group.
“There was a time in this country where we needed help and Larry stepped up with honor and dignity and integrity. He served this country with his best and it’s our turn. He’s in a bad way. It’s our turn to do the same back,” said Willard.
“I never would have been able to do this myself, money wise or any other way," said Holdredge.
For Holdredge, it’s the warm welcome he never received when he returned from Vietnam decades ago.
“Today, it’s different. Everybody, they see my hat, wearing my Vietnam Veteran hat and they say 'thank you for serving' and everything. So much different," said Holdredge.
The Impact Project hopes to complete another repair in the coming months.