Published: September 04, 2008 12:56 pm            

Labor of love: Cleburne man receives new home

One Cleburne man’s birthday wish this year was for his new house to be completed. His wish became a reality thanks to the help from friends and a local organization.

Donnie Rivas moved into his new house on Huron Street in Cleburne this summer, next door to his old house, which has since been demolished.

“I love the house,” Rivas said. “I am just tickled to death about it.”

The old house belonged to his parents, who left it to him when they passed away. Because he could not afford to repair it, he turned to Christmas in Action, a nonprofit organization that helps the needy with house repairs.

“When we examined the house we found that it was beyond repair,” said Teresa Richardson, former CIA president. “We did everything that we could, but it needed a lot of help.”

Ben Hill and Donna Turner and Donnie Adair stepped in and began collecting donations to build Rivas a new house on the empty lot next to the one he was living in.



Postive effects of loving volunteers

Work on Rivas’ house began after Thanksgiving, and the foundation was poured just before Christmas. Most of the major work, such as framework and central heat and air installation, was complete before CIA’s workday on April 5.

Many people came to finish painting and other minor work on the workday, and Rivas moved in shortly after.

The house is 1,000 square feet, with two bedrooms, one bath, a kitchen and a living room, complete with appliances.

“I love them lamps, ceiling fans and central air,” Rivas said. “I work in the heat of the day and love coming home and cooling off in the air.”

Rivas said his old house only had a window unit, so he enjoys the central air as it produces cooler air.

His dog, Sugar, moved into the new house with him and has enjoyed the cool air as well.

“She didn’t take the heat very well, and she would pass out, and I had to give her medicines,” he said. “This house is good for her too.”

The new house also helps his sinus problems, he said.

“That house was on blocks,” he said. “And when it would rain or blow wind, it blew dust in my house and made me sick. I haven’t been sick since I moved into my new house.”

Rivas said he could not afford to tear down the old house so he gave it to CIA. CIA had the house demolished and is selling the land.



Helping hands

About 30 businesses or individuals donated supplies and labor toward Rivas’ house. More than $40,000 was donated. Each donor had a part in helping Rivas’ dream come true.

Turner and Adair spearheaded the project, collecting donations and donating their own money and time. The house was built in memory of Adair’s late brother, Jimmy Adair.

“My brother was always trying to help other people,” Adair said. “We wanted to help do a house in memory of my brother. So we contacted all the people who knew my brother, and they wanted to help.”

The city of Cleburne provided trash bins for the worksite, while Nick Stewart Lumber provided a lumber package. Lowe’s provided paint, appliances and roofing materials. Dealer’s Eletric provided electrical supplies and Airmasters provided the Central Heat and Air.

Wal-Mart Distribution Center gave Rivas a queen bed and supplied tape for the house. They also sent several crews to work on the house throughout the process.

Many other business contributed to Rivas’ house and other CIA house projects.

“I appreciate what people gave — the money and building the house,” Rivas said. “God bless them for doing that.

“God loves everyone. He blessed me and took care of me.”



Other CIA houses

Five houses besides the one for Rivas were worked on during this year’s CIA workday, held April 5.

Darryl Hightower was the house captain for 509 Trinity, the home of Willie Smith. The sponsors for that house were McCoys, Heritage Assembly, Pinnacle A/C and New Life Church of Christ.

Imogene Carter’s home at 503 Chase was overseen by house captain Willie Stevenson. Sponsors were State Farm Insurance, Chesapeake, Western Company of Texas and Home Depot.

Dave Patterson was the house captain for Nadine Hill’s house at 1421 N. Brazos. Sponsors were Liberty Ford and Cleburne Rotary Club.

Crews also painted the house at 308 Sabine.



Applications will be accepted for the 2009 CIA Workday through Oct. 31. To request an application, call CIA at 817-641-8610. Monetary donations may be sent to CIA at P.O. Box 983, Cleburne, TX 76033.

        

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