Groups rehab Cape Girardeau couple's home

You have health problems. You don't have much money. And then your home is condemned because it has fallen into disrepair due to your health and money issues.

It's an unthinkable scenario for some, but a Cape Girardeau couple found themselves in exactly this situation last year.

Then, they were given hope.

Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, along with volunteers and area businesses such as 4 Site Counseling, Advanced Pest Control, Drury Southwest, Ram Power Service, Window World, East Missouri Action Agency and the Long Term Recovery Committee of Wayne County refurbished James King and Lilian Martin's house, inside and out. The Missouri Housing Trust Fund, Senior Citizens Service Fund of Cape Girardeau, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, Centenary Methodist Church and the First Methodist Church of Jefferson City, Missouri, funded the project.

"This house was beyond what we're normally called to work on. So it took more than just our nonprofit to be involved," Maureen Jersak, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri's director of communications, told the Southeast Missourian's Bridget Brown.

The rehabilitation of King and Martin's home is yet another example of the good that can be done when organizations work toward a common goal. Though the project didn't affect a great number of people, the difference it made in the lives of one local family was tremendous. Thanks to all who assisted in bringing King and Martin home.