Hearts for Homes Founder and Executive Director Susan Frank has dedicated 20 years to serving seniors.
The nonprofit that started in Pilot Point in 2006 has expanded to serve the Denton County area, making it so the seniors that they serve can count on Hearts for Homes to help with their needs.
“They know all they have to do is pick up the phone, and you know that gives them a huge peace of mind,” Frank said while speaking to the Lake Ray Roberts Rotary Club on Jan. 13. “That's one stressor that can be taken away from their plate, … and we'll take care of it.”
Hearts for Homes repairs damaged homes and offers other services, including lawn care, plumbing and flooring for low-income seniors, who are often suffering in silence.
“A lot of these houses, when you drive past them, … they look pretty good,” Frank said. “But once you step over that threshold, it's a whole different story.”
With tears in her eyes, Frank got choked up talking about the different seniors they have helped over the years and the sometimesirreparable homes and living conditions the organization has seen.
To qualify, Denton residents must be 60 years of age or older, own a home in Denton County, own no other property and demonstrate need.
Frank shared how the message came to her nearly two decades before 2006, while she was driving home, after helping an elderly community member.
“God gave me an actual vision with a picture of a box truck that I would be involved at some point, in time of need, helping people with their homes,” she said.
With a young daughter and having recently adopted their son, she and her husband felt that it was not the right time and continued with their lives.
Then, she received another sign.
“God began renewing that vision in 2005, and so, we prayed about it, and ... June of 2005, I stepped away from my position at Liberty Christian School and launched Hearts for Homes,” Frank said.
For about the first nine years, the organization was run completely by volunteers and then they received a grant that helped the organization propel further.
“God just has continued to bless us,” Frank said.
In the last several years, Hearts for Homes has averaged 105 to 111 seniors in their program each year.
“The current 97 that we help, 38 of them still have mortgages or have to pay mobile home lot rents,” Frank said.
That average rental fee for a mobile home lot in Denton County is around $800 to $900 per month, she added.
“It's crazy,” Frank said. “Basically, we take care of everything that happens to their house.”
According to the Hearts for Home website, the organization has assisted over 1,080 families in total.
With the help of volunteers, Frank said, the team can handle the workload, but it can still serve as a challenge with the number of lots.
She stressed the importance of volunteering.
Hearts for Homes has one mission for the seniors they help.
“Our goal is that each one can live out their years in a home that is safe, well-functioning and comfortable, and have some hope and dignity, because don't we all deserve that?” Frank said.
