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Deeper Initiative
Case Study: Ms. Hall
Ms. Hall has owned her mobile home for 16 years. She lives with serious breathing-related health challenges and, for years, was simply trying to survive in a home that desperately needed critical repairs.
Over the past three years, Catalyst — alongside our partners, donors, and volunteers — has developed a meaningful relationship with Ms. Hall. She has become more than a client; she is family.
When we first met her, the home was literally falling apart around her.
There were holes in the roof the size of a pizza pans, allowing water to pour into nearly every area of the home. The ongoing water intrusion caused portions of the ceiling to collapse; leaving roofing debris, insulation, and drywall scattered throughout the interior. Debris covered her furniture, kitchen counters, and personal belongings.
There was a deep sense of shame connected to the condition of her living space.
Because of the generosity of our donors, the commitment of our community partners and volunteers, that story has changed. Over the course of 2.5 years we replaced the roof, transformed the interior of the home, replaced siding, painted the exterior, and made the home more energy efficient.
One of the most powerful transformations we’ve witnessed isn’t just structural — it’s personal. Today, Ms. Hall beams with pride and gratitude. She no longer lives in just a house — it is her home. She now looks forward to inviting family and friends over, something she would have never considered just a few years ago.
This transformation was made possible by people who gave, people who showed up, and people who believed she deserved better.
Going WIDE vs. Going DEEP
In early 2025, Catalyst made a strategic shift in how we serve our neighbors.
Historically, our model focused on helping as many low-income homeowners as possible by addressing one or two critical repairs per household — we call that going WIDE.
But we recognized that some homeowners were facing multiple serious issues. Even after completing one or two repairs, their homes were still not fully safe or secure. We began asking ourselves, “If not us, then who?” That question gave birth to our DEEP strategy.
As an organization, we committed to continuing to go WIDE — serving many families each year — while also going DEEP with a select few. Going DEEP means addressing multiple critical repairs so that recipient homes become truly safe, secure, and worry-free for the long term.
Ms. Hall is one of the first homeowners in whom we have fully implemented our DEEP Initiative.
She no longer lives in a house that caused years of stress, health challenges, and shame. She now lives in a home she can proudly share with family and friends.
This transformation was only possible because of the incredible partnership of our community — churches, construction companies, recovery programs, businesses, community volunteers, and faithful donors — all coming together to help turn this house into a safe and beautiful home that Ms. Hall will enjoy for years to come.
It has been nothing short of inspiring.
Projects Completed by Year
2024
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Tarped leaking roof – Catalyst Handle-It Team
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Full roof replacement – Peak Performance Roofing & Malarkey Roofing Products
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Cleaned out home of collapsed ceiling and insulation damaged belongings – Grace Chapel
2025
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Removed damaged ceiling – Catalyst Volunteers
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Installed new ceiling insulation – Home RX & Energy Trust of Oregon
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Installed and painted new ceiling – Abundant Life Church
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Installed new heat pump – The Heat Pump Store & Energy Trust of Oregon
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Replaced siding and painted exterior – Abundant Life Church & Pac Trust
2026
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Cleaned and packed home – Portland Rescue Mission: Shepherd’s Door
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Remediated interior mold, installed beadboard, trimmed windows, and painted interior – Abundant Life Church & City Team Women’s Center
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Reinforced floors and installed new vinyl flooring – Northwest Earth Movers (NEI) & Paulsons Floor Coverings
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new crawl space insulation – Home RX & Energy Trust of Oregon
Impact
Total Volunteers Who Served Ms. Hall: 165
Total Volunteer Hours Invested: 1428
Community Partners
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Northwest Earth Movers (NEI)
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Portland Rescue Mission: Shepherd’s Door Women’s Recovery Program
Ms. Hall’s story is a beautiful example of what happens when a community comes together — not just to repair a home, but to restore dignity, health, and hope.
