Both Bennie and JoAnn are visually impaired as a result of glaucoma, which causes a gradual loss of vision and for which there is no cure. Bennie was twelve when his doctor told him his vision was too poor to play sports in school; JoAnn was in her early forties when her vision deteriorated to the point that she could no longer read. “That was the worst for me,” she remembers, “not being able to see to read my own mail.” The couple met at a rehabilitation center in Raleigh. They’ve been married for four years.
Faith is central to this couple’s life, relationship, and philosophy. JoAnn explains why a passage from Romans 8 is her favorite Bible verse: “No matter what comes my way, what challenges I have in life – visual impairment or just being a human being – it’s gonna work for my good as long as I’m lining up with the Word.” When Bennie recalls some of the most difficult times in his life, he says with confidence, “I know God is important and if I talk to God, God will help me out and he will see me through it.”
Bennie and JoAnn lived in an apartment on the eighth floor. They worried about how they would get out quickly if there were a fire. Neighbors frequently report possessions being stolen from cars or the laundry room. Bennie walked across a busy parking lot to get their trash to the dumpster. “One day,” they said, “someone just walked right in our apartment! Being visually impaired, if something happened…we might be in trouble.”
Habitat Wake consulted with Bennie & JoAnn to include features such as a talking thermometer, ADA approved appliances, additional hand rails and concrete walkways that will make their home safe, in addition to being affordable.
“It was something you dream about, being a homeowner and actually getting the opportunity. Habitat has really been a blessing and that’s from God. There’s a concern and care in it and this house is going to work for us. That’s so important and it’s amazing.”
What’s JoAnn looking forward to the most? “Bennie shouldn’t have any problem taking out the trash!”
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