When Home Becomes Unsafe
Angela, a single parent in Bismarck, North Dakota, had been doing everything she could to hold her home together. But over time, the place meant to protect her and her adult son had started working against them.
Her 1974 mobile home had fallen into severe disrepair. Holes had opened up in the floor. Some windows were missing entirely, and doors no longer closed, letting cold air pour in through North Dakota’s long winters. When it rained, the roof leaked. In the bathroom, the toilet had begun sinking into the floor.
Even staying warm became a daily challenge. The aging furnace and water heater were both failing, and the home leaked so much air that heating it felt nearly impossible. Energy bills kept climbing, with little to show for it.
At the same time, Angela was undergoing cancer treatment and living on a very limited income. The repairs the home desperately needed were simply out of reach.
What had once been a difficult housing situation had become something more serious and the home became no longer safe.
Reaching Out for Help
When Angela contacted Community Action Partnership, she initially hoped to receive help fixing just a few of the most urgent issues, specifically the floors and windows.
But when staff conducted a full home assessment, it became clear that the problems ran deeper. The home required comprehensive repairs to address safety hazards, energy efficiency issues, and structural concerns.
Rather than tackling only one or two problems, Community Action Partnership coordinated support across multiple programs, including:
- Weatherization Assistance Program
- Furnace Program
- Housing Readiness Program
Together, these programs made it possible to address the home’s most critical needs all at once.
Repairs That Changed Everything
Through the combined efforts of Community Action Partnership programs, Angela’s home received extensive upgrades designed to make the home safe, energy efficient, and structurally sound.
Improvements included:
- Installation of a durable rubber roof to stop leaks
- New windows and exterior doors to eliminate drafts
- Major floor repairs to close dangerous openings
- Attic, wall, and belly insulation to improve energy efficiency
- Improved ventilation for healthier indoor air
- Replacement of the failing toilet
- Installation of a brand-new furnace
- Installation of a new water heater
These repairs eliminated major hazards that had made the home unsafe.
The large hole in the kitchen floor that once posed a risk for falls was repaired. Broken windows and drafty doors were replaced. Unsafe heating equipment was upgraded with reliable systems.
A Safe Home Again
Before the repairs, Angela’s home was filled with constant uncertainty. Cold air poured in through broken windows. Structural damage made parts of the home unsafe to walk on. Heating costs were high, yet the house still struggled to stay warm.
Today, the home is dry, safe, and energy efficient.
Angela no longer has to worry about falling through the floor, losing heat through missing windows, or relying on failing heating equipment.
Instead of facing ongoing housing emergencies, she can now focus on what matters most: her health and her family.
The Impact of Weatherization
Angela’s story demonstrates how comprehensive housing assistance can do more than improve energy efficiency. It can stabilize homes, protect health, and restore dignity.
Through coordinated programs and dedicated staff, Community Action (Wx Force) helped transform a dangerous living situation into a safe and stable home.
For Angela and her family, that transformation means peace of mind and the ability to move forward without the constant fear of losing their home.
Today, I have a home that is dry, safe, and energy efficient, allowing me to focus on my health and my family instead of constant housing emergencies.
Angela | Bismarck, ND
Be Part of Stories Like This
Every weatherization project starts with a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping North Dakota families live in safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient homes. Whether you're working in the field, inspecting homes, leading crews, or supporting homeowners through the process, your work has a lasting impact on the people and communities you serve.
If you're looking for a career where your skills make a real difference, weatherization could be the right path for you.