The Berks County community is responding with an outpouring of support for a family who learned Monday it won’t get a promised home makeover.
Elisabeth and Paul Laskowski were deeply disappointed Monday, when they opened a letter informing them that their Exeter Township home would not receive the renovations from HBA Restoring Hope Foundation.
“It is kind of hard,” Elisabeth said Tuesday. “We are still reeling. We were incredibly grateful for this gift, and it was hard to lose.”
Since the news broke that the nonprofit Restoring Hope was forced to withdraw its proposal, she said, the family has been overwhelmed by offers of help from friends, strangers, area businesses and even other nonprofits.
“We are not sure what to do with them yet,” Elisabeth said, noting many ideas have been batted around, but concrete plans have yet to be put into place.
The Laskowskis had been selected in May from the dozens of middle-income working families to apply for what would have been the all-volunteer organization’s ninth project.
They were informed by certified letter, dated July 2, that the offer was rescinded.
“The Board has met and, due to anticipated insufficient staffing and volunteers for this project, we must withdraw our offer to make improvements to your home,” reads the letter, signed by Diane Salks, chairwoman of the organization.
Contacted Monday, Salks declined to comment. A call to Salks and an email to the foundation went unanswered Tuesday.
As of Tuesday, the foundation’s website indicates applications are being accepted for the 2020 project.
“Something does not sound right about the way the offer was rescinded,” said Jim Aloye, who started a GoFundMe account to assist the Laskowskis.
Aloye of Lower Alsace Township, a family friend, said the Laskowskis were already preparing for the makeover by packing household items and discarding worn furniture as instructed by the nonprofit.
“There has got to be a way to make this right,” he said. “Hopefully, they can get some assistance.”
The Laskowskis said they are extremely grateful for the generosity and sympathy, and feel “unworthy.”
“It is beautiful to see such community outpouring of understanding and offers of help,” Paul said.
Donations can be made online.
