Homeowner: Thomas Goodwine

Age: 85

Council District: 7

House location: Temple Hills

About the homeowner: Mr. Goodwine lives alone in the house he has occupied for thirty-six years. He suffers from arthritis in both legs and his shoulder. Even getting to the phone takes Mr. Goodwine a long time. He is active in his church and church members have offered to volunteer with us.

His greatest concern: Steps to reach the back yard and the top of the hill in his yard. Paint in the living room and kitchen and a new oven.

What we found: The whole house needs a good general cleaning. An exterminator is needed. The oven is a ‘Real Host” brand and really does need to be replaced. The living room need paint, weather stripping for the door and a new ceiling fan. The bathroom with fixtures dating from 1961 and wall coverings to match needs a little tender loving care. New steps will give the homeowner access to the yard and yard work and paint are needed in places outside.

House Captains: Craig St.Clair & Deanna Buckner

Their Volunteer Experience: This is the fourth year that Craig St. Clair and Deanna Buckner have been house captains. They also served on our House Selection Committee.

Their Reaction to the Homeowner: Thomas Goodwine is the most sincere homeowner we've had so far.  He is a very strong, able man at 85 years young and is prophetic in the way that he speaks, as well as his outlook on life.  He's a religious man who is thankful for anything and everything that he has and does not take anything for granted.   Thomas has a great regard for family, and personal communication, and has a deep love for his wife who passed 11 years ago.  He lives in a modest home, which he has maintained fairly well over the years, but he is beginning to lose his grip on it.  It will be an honor to help him.  I believe we will learn more from this man, than he from us.

Their Comments on Christmas in April: Our experience with Christmas in April has been enlightening, gratifying, and humbling.  Being able to have personal contact with the homeowner has made the experience tremendously rewarding, and each year we learn so much from the homeowner and their family.  It is a wonderful way to reach out and learn about our neighbors and learn from them.