CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. — Linda Smalley contacted 13 ON YOUR SIDE after her aged furnace was deemed unsafe to continue using on Friday.
She was uncertain of how she would heat her home this winter because a new furnace was out of the question in her budget.
Now, her uncertainty has become joy.
Soon after the initial story was aired, several individuals and businesses responded, wanting to provide help to make sure Smalley stays warm.
"I was not expecting a phone call today telling me this wonderful news. I feel like I won the lottery," Smalley said.
She has since been provided with the contact information of those wanting to help, along with the information of local nonprofits that help community members in her kind of situation.
"Each heating season, we get about 300 to 350 calls for folks who have no heat, and don't have the resources to get heat restored," said Joel Ruiter, executive director for Home Repair Services of Kent County.
Ruiter's nonprofit supports low-to-moderate-income homeowners in making emergency repairs to keep their homes safe.
"Probably in a typical year, 100 to 125 of those cases we actually have to replace the furnace," Ruiter said.
He said replacing furnaces that have been red-tagged helps keep homeowners from experiencing dangerous situations, such as carbon monoxide leaks.
Smalley said she feels relieved knowing that there are resources available, and knowing community members are willing to act out of the kindness of their hearts.
"It's just marvelous that people have stepped up to help me," Smalley said. "I'm just so grateful to you guys. I don't know what I can do to thank you."
Below are some resources and organizations in Kent County that help community members who find themselves in difficult situations regarding their home:
* Heart of West Michigan United Way - can also dial 211
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