This article was written by Lily Schmidt,

iACT Event Coordinator.

Lori Felan, age 75, has lived in her home in East Austin for nearly 50 years. While new superstores and developments have been built around her, she and her neighbors have remained. She recalls a time when there were plans for the Palmer Events Center to be built on the land where her neighborhood stands—she was happy when those plans fell through. Mrs. Felan worked in housekeeping for 52 years before retiring. Although she still works every Monday. She loves the company and feels they are like family. “And it keeps me busy,” she said. Mrs. Felan lives alone in her home since losing her husband last year. Unfortunately, Mrs. Felan is no stranger to loss. Her daughter passed away when she was just a child and her son passed away in March of this year due to an illness that went undiagnosed. Her one living daughter has given her two grandchildren, Niyra (21) and Nehemiah (10) who bring her great joy. She loves spending time with them. She also has an adorable Yorkie mix named Audrey, after Audrey Hepburn. In her spare time she enjoys sewing and reading. One of her favorite memories in her home is when they would set up tables in the carport and invite her large extended family and neighbors over to barbecue and socialize.

Mrs. Felan will be one of the homeowners served through Hands on Housing’s fall painting event, Raise the Roof. On Saturday, October 9th we will paint 8 houses in Austin, all through volunteer power. The event runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm. If you’d like to help homeowners in need like Mrs. Felan, you can register your volunteer team here. Alternatively, you can contact us via email at hoh@interfaithtexas.org for more information on volunteering at the Raise the Roof event.