A Home Renewed: How a Community Came Together for Ms. Olds

A Quiet Life in Need of Care

Since 1984, Ms. Olds—a widow living alone in her Beavercreek home—has quietly gone about her life. But over the years, time took its toll on her house. Outdated single-pane aluminum windows and deteriorating siding left her home uncomfortable and vulnerable to the elements. She needed help, and that’s when Catalyst stepped in.

Partnerships That Make a Difference

Catalyst partnered with Lifetime Windows to replace every window in Ms. Olds’ home. The transformation was immediate—bringing warmth, energy efficiency, and peace of mind. But the work didn’t stop there.

Restoring More Than Just Walls

The home’s siding was in critical condition, with rot causing deeper structural issues. Our team removed all the damaged siding, uncovered hidden problems, and made the necessary repairs. Once the structure was sound, we gave the home a fresh coat of paint, restoring its beauty and protecting it for years to come.

Beyond the Walls: A Touch of Love

Volunteers also rolled up their sleeves to tackle yard work and other small but meaningful tasks around the property. Every weed pulled and branch trimmed was a gesture of care and respect for Ms. Olds and her home.

A Community in Action

This was one of Catalyst’s largest projects in recent memory. Over four days, 87 volunteers contributed a remarkable 512 hours of service. The spirit of the proverb “many hands make light work” came alive as neighbors came together with purpose and heart.

A Lasting Impact

What unfolded over those four days was more than just a home renovation—it was a celebration of community, compassion, and connection. There was hard work, yes—but also laughter, shared meals, and the joy of giving. Ms. Olds now has a safe, energy-efficient home, and we all walked away with full hearts.

Project Stats and Partners:

Number of Volunteers - 87

Number of Hours - 512

Lifetime Windows & Doors: providing windows at cost 

Stonecreek Christian Church: providing volunteer support  

Oregon City Christian Church: providing volunteer support 

JE Dunn Construction:  providing volunteer support  

Trane: providing volunteer support 

Northwest Earthmovers: providing volunteer support and taking care of dump costs

Energy Trust of Oregon 

Project photos