April 2026 - When One Bathroom Matters Most

A Call for Help at a Critical Moment

Ms. McDonald is a 73‑year‑old homeowner who has lived in her home for the past 24 years with her 53‑year‑old son. In November 2025, she reached out to Catalyst after her only toilet had been unusable for three weeks. With just one bathroom in the home, this was more than an inconvenience—it was an urgent need.

Stepping In Despite the Challenges

The timing was difficult. Catalyst’s project season had already ended, and many volunteers had prior commitments. Still, we knew we had to find a way to help. Our team was able to provide a temporary repair to support the McDonald family while we worked toward a long‑term solution.

Discovering the Deeper Problem

Soon after the temporary fix, Ms. McDonald contacted us again to share that the toilet was still not working properly. When we returned to reassess, we discovered the pipe connecting the home to the city sewer line was completely clogged. Despite several attempts to clear the blockage ourselves, the issue required professional intervention. We arranged for the line to be cleared, restoring proper function to the system.

More Than a Plumbing Repair

As work continued, it became clear this project was larger than initially expected. The entire bathroom floor had to be removed due to long‑term water damage from a leaking toilet. Once the floor was opened up, we uncovered additional structural concerns affecting an exterior wall and the bathtub. We also discovered the bathtub plumbing had never been properly connected, allowing water to drain directly into the crawl space.

Rebuilding from the Ground Up

Our team addressed every plumbing issue and began rebuilding the bathroom from the ground up. We added structural supports beneath the bathtub and along the compromised wall, installed new plywood flooring, and completed the space with new vinyl plank flooring generously donated by our partners at Paulson’s Floor Coverings.

The Power of Neighbors Helping Neighbors

We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to come alongside Ms. McDonald and restore such an essential space in her home. She was incredibly thankful, and this project served as a meaningful reminder of the impact that neighbors helping neighbors can have.

Project Stats and Partners:

Number of Volunteers - 6

Number of Hours - 44

Paulsons Flooring

Project photos