Machesney Park woman receives life-changing grant to repair 53-year-old home

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO) — One woman is reflecting on a state grant that has changed her life.

Della Fletcher is one of many Machesney Park residents benefiting from the village’s Home Repair and Accessibility Program. The program is funded by grants from the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

Low-income residents can apply for home renovations such as repairing or replacing roofs, windows, siding, furnaces and air conditioners. The program has run the past 23 years, and Fletcher said she applied for the past 14 years. She said she finally received the award in 2024.

“I got a walk-in shower, furnace, air conditioner, I got the new front door over here, I got the railing on the porch out there, got new all new carpeting, and plank flooring,” Fletcher explained.

The homeowner has lived in the same home since 1972. Other than her dog, “Sweet Pea” Fletcher lives, cooks and washes her clothes all by herself. She said she would be struggling more if not for these repairs.

“A lot of things got done that I couldn’t afford to do,” Fletcher explained. “This feels like a whole new home.”

Village Mayor Steve Johnson said over the past 23 years, the program has served over 100 homeowners.

“Quality of life is so important to me,” the mayor said. “You can really change somebody’s quality of life by doing some of these repairs, remodels.”

Fletcher turns 90 on July 20th. She said throughout her life, she has learned to never take anything for granted.

“We were poor, I mean dirt poor,” she said. “You learn to appreciate the little things in life. The way I grew up and had to live, and the way I’m living now, this is heaven. I’m so thankful.”

The village board met on July 7th to discuss another round of funding for the program. Mayor Johnson said application information will be released soon.