It was 1965 when Carl Bowers moved his family to the small home on Hudson Street in West Asheville. A neighborhood of working families, the residents were not much different than Carl— hardworking, self-sufficient individuals who took care of their families and each other. When something needing doing, Carl did it himself, despite having lost his arm during a work accident at the age of 19.

“Daddy never took a day’s disability,” says daughter Sharon Buckner who regularly visits her 80-year-old father. In fact, Carl’s home is evidence of his tireless work ethic. The closely cut grass, tidy front porch, and sparkling interior are all maintained by Carl. He helps his neighbors by cutting their yards as well. “He has always been so self- sufficient,” Sharon says proudly, “There isn’t much he can’t do.”

Carl’s world was greatly altered in the 1980s when he suffered three strokes in one day. Understandably, the idea of accepting help was a difficult pill for Carl to swallow, and the adjustments have been gradual. His limited mobility on his left side has made some tasks, mainly home maintenance, unsafe for him. Watching things begin to fall into disrepair was more than irritating for Carl. The home needed winterizing and painting for starters. “We all work together to help each other,” says Sharon. “I felt bad because I knew this was something he really wanted done, but I just couldn’t do it.”

The family learned about Buncombe County’s Community Action Opportunities and its weatherization program that helps people on limited incomes make their homes more energy efficient by adding insulation and locating and sealing drafts around doors and windows. With cold weather around the corner, Carl will appreciate lower energy bills and cozier nights.

The chipping paint, however, remained a nagging reminder of his limitations. One day, a stranger hung a flyer on his door that introduced Carl to Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative program, “A Brush with Kindness.” A home preservation program, it offers existing low-income homeowners affordable services such as painting, landscaping, and minor exterior repairs. After qualifying, applicants receive a zero-interest short-term loan.

“Carl’s home was the biggest project to date,” says Habitat’s Director of Construction Services Paul Reeves. “We felt this was a great project because it really speaks to the nature of the program. Carl was very involved, he showed up ready to work every day. He appreciated that this was a hand up and not a hand out.”

Aside from the whole house paint job (requiring hooded TYVEC suits to protect workers from the old lead-based paint that had to be removed), Paul and his crew of volunteers identified several other things on Carl’s home they could do affordably. They installed storm windows and doors, regraded around the foundation and basement windows, and even fabricated new windowsills for the downstairs windows.

“There were spots he (Carl) could reach and he jumped right in,” says Paul. “He chose the paint colors and was an active participant.”

The materials for the project were donated by the West Asheville Home Depot that also sent over a crew of volunteers. “We regularly support community projects as part of our Team Depot that is made up of employees who volunteer their time to these projects,” says store manager Matt Bollinger.

Carl’s “brush with kindness” was exactly the type of help he needed. As a footnote, Carl, who is a stickler for personal responsibility, is the first one at the reception desk each month to make his loan payment, says Paul with a smile. “I’m very proud of him to think of what he’s overcome,” Sharon adds. “I look at this house and have so many memories, this is home.”

To find out more about Brush with Kindness, visit ashevillehabitat.org/NRI or call 828.210.9370.