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Kalamazoo woman in urgent need of home repairs receives a helping hand

Posted at 6:34 PM, May 29, 2015
and last updated 2015-05-29 18:37:14-04

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Nearly a month ago, Sally Tuttle received a notice from the city notifying her that if she didn’t fix her garage, roof and paint job that she would be fined. The notice also explained that the Kalamazoo homeowner had 60 days to let the city know how she plans to fix her home.

Injured and financially unstable, Tuttle felt there was no hope.   After her story aired on FOX 17, it didn't take long for a man and his company to help out.

“A completely exterior makeover is what we're shooting for," said Tim Brown, the owner and president of advantage roofing and exteriors.

It's a makeover that will completely fix Sally's roof, siding and anything else that needs to be repaired, completely free of charge.

"I’m very happy about it. I know if nothing happened I would have eventually not paid my mortgage and I would have moved out with my kids," Tuttle said.

Tim Brown first heard Sally's story on FOX 17 last week, and didn't think twice about tackling the nearly $20,000 project.

"Hearing her story and how she’s always there for everybody else, we’ve all had that person in our lives.  So to be that person in someone else’s life, it makes us feel good," Brown said.

"I really appreciate it; there’s no way I could have fixed it up myself, even with the money," Tuttle said.

But with Sally's injuries, it wasn't just money she needed, it was help.

“What goes around comes around; I think that if everybody did more it would be an amazing Kalamazoo,” Brown said.

Sally Tuttle is blown away by all the help she has received and is grateful because now she'll be able to keep the home that's so very near and dear to her heart.

Last week, FOX 17 spoke to Sally's niece, Jennifer Overacker, who originally reached out for help. She says she's extremely grateful for the $1,000 that was raised and is blown away by the community's response.

Jennifer plans to host a helping hand event next Saturday, June 6, at 307 Garfield Ave. in Kalamazoo. Those wanting to lend a helping hand are welcome to attend.