Size: 1,347-Square-Feet
Location: Fort Myers
A Fort Myers family received the life-changing gift of a new home thanks to a partnership between nonprofit Lee BIA Builders Care, local construction company Stevens Construction and a variety of community partners.
Myrtle Dillard is a longtime Fort Myers resident who has lived in her home for 33 years. Originally built in 1927, the 958-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bathroom dwelling had fallen into a state of disrepair. As time passed, the family faced significant challenges in maintaining the home. Caring for her daughter and twin granddaughters, Dillard’s health concerns and the recent passing of her husband, Joseph, made Dillard’s need for support more critical than ever. The home required extensive repairs and lacked necessary accessibility features, posing serious safety risks for Dillard, who relies on wheelchair access.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Stevens Construction committed to rebuilding the Dillard family’s home from the ground up at no cost. Rather than opting for minor renovations, the decision to rebuild the entire structure ensured that the family could live safely and comfortably for years to come. The entire structure was demolished and rebuilt in just 48 days at no cost to the homeowner, and community partners came together on May 7 to welcome the Dillard family home with a curtain reveal of the newly completed house.
The new home is 1,347 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms to accommodate the family’s needs. Accessible doorways, bathroom and a wheelchair ramp ensure Myrtle Dillard can navigate her home comfortably. Community partners and donors helped fill the new home with necessities, including furniture, appliances, decor and household supplies. Additionally, Harry Chapin Food Bank helped ensure the family’s kitchen cabinets and fridge were filled with food and essentials for their first night home.
Dozens of industry partners contributed to the Dillard project through donation of labor and materials, including: American Builders Supply; Barraco & Associates; BH Flooring Studio; Bolaños Truxton, P.A.; The City of Fort Myers; Clive Daniel Home; Collins DuPont; Cougar Companies; Crowther Roofing; Ferguson; Floorcrafters; Ford Drywall; Hanlon; Honc Destruction; John’s To Go; Juniper Landscaping; Lee Designs; Liberty Aluminum; Mo Better Garage; Montgomery Cabinetry; MSI; Plumbing Solutions; Preferred Materials; Priority Marketing; Raymond Building Supply; Service Contractors; Sherwin Williams; Southern Door; SunCoast Contractors Supply; SunMAC Stone Specialists; Southwest Waste Management; Taulman Pest Control; United Mechanical; Universal Engineering; Valtex; Wilson Lighting; and York Electric.
