The Randy and Tina Bublitz Family
Prior to connecting with Habitat, Randy and Tina Bublitz were working hard to make ends meet financially, but their life was far from easy. Several years prior, Randy was forced to leave his job as a landscaper, after being profoundly effected by a stroke.
Tina’s busy days were filled with being a mom to teenage son, Taylor, caring for Randy and working week-ends at the Pickwick Inn. Their mobile home in rural Winona County was not even remotely close to being handicapped accessible. Simple tasks of getting in an out of their home, and around and about in their home were not easy.
In November of 2009, just in time for Thanksgiving, the Bublitz family was able to move into their fully accessible home in Ridgeway. The Bublitz’s have been surprised y how simple accommodations in their home have made life much easier for Randy and his family. With wide doorways, hard surfaces floor coverings, a roll-in shower and a fully accessible washer and dryer, Randy is finding much more independence. So much so, that for the first time since Randy’s stroke, Tina was able to go out and look for another part-time job.
Tina also told us that since they had moved into their home in November they had not been sick. Upper respiratory illnesses had become the norm for their family while living in their mobile home, especially during the winter.
After completing their 300 hours of sweat-equity, the Bublitz purchased their home with a 30-year, interest free mortgage. In addition to the vast improvements in the quality of their living conditions, the Bublitz family should also be realizing some significant saving in energy costs. The construction of the home, built to the Minnesota Green communities standard will provide long-term energy saving which will help keep home affordable. The Bublitz family is grateful for their partnership with Habitat has allowed them the opportunity to make these positive life changes