I had to put four pots in the hallway to catch the water, and I slept with a pot in my bed when it rained. --Ms. W, Yachad Homeowner, Ward 8
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed
Sukkot in Spring 2021 this year, to this fall—overlapping with the actual holiday of Sukkot. A roof with openings may be required for a sukkah, but it is not acceptable for a healthy home. We might not mind our time in the sukkah if the weather is cold or rainy—thinking it novel—for we know it’s only temporary, and we’ll be back into our warm, dry home soon enough. But for many families in Washington, DC, living daily with openings in the roof and walls is a hazard to their health and not novel at all.
Last year the program was paused and we carefully continued our home remediation work without our usual partnerships or volunteer groups, focusing solely on repairs by tradespeople. This year we are bringing back a modified version of our program and welcome our Sukkot in Spring sponsors once again. We are not using volunteer groups right now, but focusing on critical problems for tradespeople to resolve: roof and plumbing leaks, broken HVAC systems, hazardous mold, and unsafe, electrical systems. Volunteers are with us in spirit.
With this year and last presenting formidable challenges and creating so much uncertainty, having the support from our partners means so much to Yachad and to the families we assist. It is only with the community by our side that we can keep sending out the roofer and plumber, making a BIG difference for our neighbors.
Thank you to our 2021 Sponsors:
Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation
Adas Israel Congregation
Agudas Achim Congregation
EJF Real Estate
Goldfarb & Associates
Hill Havurah
Machar
National Cooperative Bank
Temple Micah
And as we begin this new Jewish year, we wish everyone in the community a healthy and happy new year. And with proper home remediation, we can really mean it.
Chag Sukkot Sameach.
