The Day of Caring

An Osterville Men’s Club’s Community Outreach

Big Fix Makes a Difference One House at a Time

On a warm September morning, a team of volunteers poured into Grace Filliman’s Harwich yard. The crew set to work on landscaping projects, clearing gutters and repairing the garage door as part of Housing Assistance’s annual Big Fix.

“I’m overwhelmed. This is mind-blowing,” said Filliman, 90, who lives alone and walks with a cane. “It was a surprise to see so many people working so hard. How can you say thank you to all these people?”

Six homeowners in five towns had their homes and lives transformed by Big Fix volunteers in 2022. Tasks completed this year included landscaping, replacing a fence, installing a new gutter, replacing rotted window trim, exterior painting, repairing a handicap-access ramp and replacing exterior stairs that were rotted out.

“It restored my faith in people when they showed up,” said Big Fix recipient Jean Tracey of West Dennis, who is legally blind and is the caretaker of her disabled son. “It was like the best Christmas I ever had.”

The 2022 Big Fixes took place between June and October in Falmouth, Pocasset, West Dennis, Centerville, Harwich and Hyannis.

“We’re making a difference one person at a time, and we’re doing it together,” said Lin Rohr, director of community engagement and donor stewardship. “We’re so grateful for our hard-working volunteers and sponsors who help make the Big Fix possible.”