By Mei-Hung Lin 

Tzu Chi volunteers repaired Grandpa Chen’s home through the “Stable Homes, Friendly Communities" initiative and presented him with blessings. | Photo by Mei-Hung Lin | Taichung, Taiwan | 2020/05/03

 Restoring Dignity 

In 2020, the Tzu Chi Foundation launched the An-Mei Elderly Care Initiative to provide "Stable Homes, Friendly Communities" for vulnerable families struggling to maintain their homes. By collaborating with construction professionals and local volunteers, the project creates safer, cleaner, and more harmonious living environments. One of its beneficiaries was Grandpa Chen, a long-time care recipient living alone in Taichung City. 

Born in 1940, Grandpa Chen led a fulfilling life as a mechanic and taxi driver before dedicating himself to spiritual practices. However, advancing age and health issues—including heart and lung conditions and gout—gradually confined him to his home. Mobility challenges left him reliant on a walking stick, and the task of maintaining his 70-year-old house became overwhelming. 

Turning Challenges into Opportunities 

Recognizing Grandpa Chen’s urgent need for help, Tzu Chi volunteer Chiu-Hsu Liu proposed renovating his home through the An-Mei Initiative. This program not only aimed to restore his living space but also embodied Tzu Chi’s philosophy of mutual aid and empowerment. 

Engaging other care recipients in the process, the project adopted a cash-for-work approach. Participants helped clean and declutter the house, earning income while fostering responsibility and teamwork. Together, they removed three truckloads of debris, paving the way for Tzu Chi’s construction team to begin repairs. 

The transformation started with the roof, where workers replaced deteriorated plastic sheets and rotting boards with durable, painted metal panels. Inside, a tangled web of hazardous electrical wires was meticulously untangled and reorganized. “Every wire had to be carefully inspected,” explained construction supervisor Wen-Liang Chen, emphasizing the complexity of the task. 

Further improvements included repairing plumbing and electrical systems, replacing outdated kitchen appliances, and redesigning the space for accessibility. A single bed was strategically placed in the kitchen, ensuring Grandpa Chen’s safety and convenience. 

A Home Reborn 

LEFT: Grandpa Chen’s kitchen, untouched for decades, had greasy, dark walls, broken pipes, and unusable appliances. | Photo by Chiu-Hsu Liu | Taichung, Taiwan | 2020/04/27  RIGHT: A volunteer carefully rewired the house to ensure electrical safety. | Photo by Mei-Hung Lin | Taichung, Taiwan | 2020/04/30

In just four days, from April 27 to April 30, the team achieved a remarkable transformation. Walls that were once dark and greasy now gleamed with fresh white and gray paint. The kitchen featured a sparkling new stove, range hood, sink, and a comfortable bed. The once-cluttered home now radiated warmth and cleanliness. 

“I’m truly grateful,” Grandpa Chen said emotionally. “Without Tzu Chi, I couldn’t have done this myself. Even walking is a challenge for me now. Thank you, Tzu Chi, for all your help.” His quivering voice reflected the profound impact of the renovation. 

A Ripple Effect of Goodness 

The transformation resonated deeply within the community. The local village chief, familiar with the home’s previous state, expressed his sincere praise. “This place used to be so dark and messy. Whenever I visited Grandpa Chen, I needed a flashlight. Now it’s bright, safe, and comfortable. This project not only helps individuals but also uplifts the entire neighborhood,” he said, extending his gratitude to Tzu Chi volunteers. 

Grandpa Chen’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and collective action. The An-Mei initiative to create "Stable Homes, Friendly Communities" demonstrates how rebuilding homes revitalizes lives, strengthens community bonds, and fosters hope. When we extend kindness to others, we create a ripple effect of goodness that benefits everyone, building a stronger, more loving world.