MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — What began as an effort by a handful of volunteers to help an elderly South Florida couple living in deteriorating conditions has grown into a community-wide effort to rebuild their home.
Local 10’s Good News South Florida has been following the transformation of Edward and Clara Knox’s Richmond Heights home since April.
As construction moves through each phase, more businesses and volunteers are stepping forward to donate their time, labor and materials. Donations from Local 10 viewers are also helping push the project toward completion.
The latest progress includes new plumbing throughout the house and a new roof that has passed its final inspection.
$15,000 in plumbing donated
Luke Blosser, a fourth-generation plumber with his family’s business, Bob’s Plumbing, and his crew installed new plumbing throughout the Knox home.
The work included replacing old cast-iron pipes that had become severely corroded.
“This is a pretty severely corroded pipe,” Blosser said while examining one of the old pipes.
The company donated all of the labor and materials for the plumbing work, a contribution valued at approximately $15,000.
“We don’t do it for the recognition, we just do it because we want to serve our neighbor,” Blosser said.
A community effort grows
The effort to help the Knox family began with Joe Puentes, a builder and co-founder of the nonprofit WikiVoice.
Puentes couldn’t bear seeing the conditions Edward and Clara Knox were living in and rallied several volunteers to begin rebuilding their home before Local 10’s Good News South Florida became involved.
Since then, the number of people willing to help has continued to grow.
“So many wonderful people with a good heart have stepped up,” Puentes said.
Among them is Hector Rodriguez, owner of Level Up Roofing, who has donated thousands of dollars in materials and manpower while personally spending hours at the job site.
Rodriguez estimated the value of the roof alone at about $14,000.
He also reached out to John Massengill, a sales agent for Polyglass, to tell him about the Knox family’s situation.
“This one hit us pretty hard,” Massengill said. “Hector called us and explained the situation.”
Polyglass supplied the underlayment and waterproofing materials for the roof, a donation valued at $4,000.
“Charitable giving is something that we try to do whenever we can,” Massengill said.
After seeing photos of the Knox home before the work began, Massengill said he knew he wanted to get involved.
“When you just look at those pictures you just have to do something,” he said.
Massengill even traveled from Deerfield Beach to meet Knox at the home.
“For the first time in my life, I am at a loss for words,” Knox said.
Roof passes final inspection
The Knox family’s home on Jackson Street is now being transformed from top to bottom.
The roof shingles have been installed, and the roof has passed its final inspection.
The next phase includes metal framing, but more work remains before Edward and Clara Knox can see their rebuilt home completed.
“We’re here to overcome,” jobsite foreman Deiky Vergel said. “Mr. Knox is a deserving individual and a friend and we’re happy to do it.”
For Edward Knox, seeing businesses and people he didn’t previously know dedicate their time and resources to helping his family has been overwhelming.
“To find this many people with businesses who don’t really have to do this, but they are finding joy in doing it, that just makes me feel that much better,” Knox said.
More help is still needed
While significant progress has been made, additional materials, equipment and labor are still needed to finish the project.
The remaining needs include:
- Attic and wall insulation
- Electrical materials
- Interior and exterior lighting fixtures
- Remaining structural shell work and reinforcement
- Concrete pump and concrete truck
- Interior and exterior paint and painting supplies
- HVAC system, ductwork and installation labor
- Exterior stucco
- Driveway removal and replacement
- Landscaping
Also, 100% percent of the money donated goes toward construction of the Knox home, with Local 10 providing updates on how the funds are used as the project moves toward completion.
- To donate: If you’d like to make a monetary donation toward a Good News South Florida story or project, click here. Local 10 has established the Local 10 Fund with The Miami Foundation and 100% of your donation will go toward the cause you designate in the “additional information” box.
- To volunteer or submit a story idea: If you’d like to volunteer for a Good News South Florida project or would like to submit a story for consideration, email goodnews@local10.com.
Good News South Florida airs Fridays on the Local 10 morning news at 10 a.m. It will encore Fridays at 3:30 p.m. and Sunday mornings, beginning at 6 a.m.
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