We are The Fuller Center for Housing of Portage County.
Inspired and founded in 2013 by the late Walter Chapman, we are a Christian organization dedicated to improving housing conditions of low-income home owners in the Northwestern and Central Portage County area. We strive to improve the quality of life for those residents in need of home repairs and services and, by doing so, foster awareness of community needs and solutions.
Everyone deserves a safe, descent and affordable place to live.
Who we help.
We seek homeowners who are low-income, elderly, disabled, or caring for a disabled family member and unable to do the work themselves.
How we help.
Our function is to coordinate the skills of many volunteers for the benefit of the people we serve.
Where we help.
We serve homeowners throughout Northwestern and Central Portage County, Ohio.
Who is eligible?
Applicants must own and live in their own home and have neither the resources nor the ability to do the work themselves, and they must meet income eligibility guidelines and provide documentation of total household income for all persons living in the home.
What repairs do you do?
We make critical home repairs, so repairs of a purely cosmetic nature will not be eligible. Typical projects include house construction, which can consist of roofing, framing, door and window installation, etc., cleanup, yard and lot cleanup, mowing and trash removal.
How much does this cost?
When able, homeowners work hand-in-hand with volunteers to build or renovate their homes, which they then pay for on terms they can afford, with no interest charged or profit made. The costs are determined by the materials alone – our labor is free.
Our history.
The Fuller Center for Housing of Portage County, formerly known as Neighbor-to-Neighbor, was inspired and founded in 2013 by the late Walter Chapman, along with a team of dedicated persons. Walter cared deeply about his community and was very active in local organizations and clubs. As a 30-year member and past president of the Cleveland Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio, he found inspiration, friendship, and gratitude in helping others. His involvement with the Fuller Center for Housing of Portage County allowed him to swing a hammer alongside volunteers as they completed home repairs for those in need. He spoke often of his gratitude and joy from participation in these organizations.
