Let's Fix Mr. Willie's Yellow House and Make Ms. Francine's Walkway Accessible!

Parents in the Hopkins House family and the surrounding neighborhood are trying get the man affectionately known as the Mayor of Princess Street a roof over his head that doesn't leak and walls that keep the weather out. Volunteers have done great work on the property, but the condition of the roof, siding and insulation on this historic home is such that complete professional replacement is necessary. We're pushing for estimates from quality contractors before the weather turns bitter, and we'll need Old Town's help to get us to our fundraising goal. Please visit youcaring.com/williesyellowhouse to leave a donation or words of support.

We're also hoping Old Town can help an extraordinarily kind and upbeat mother get a safe passageway for her daughter's wheelchair. Francine works hard to make the world accessible to her daughter, but a portable ramp set on a broken down porch and loose brick walkway are making for an unstable journey to the outside. A permanent ramp will be installed by an extraordinary charitable organization once the masonry is fixed, but it's up to us to get the concrete poured while it's still warm enough to set. Please visit youcaring.com/francinesporch to donate or leave a kind word.

Rebuilding Together Alexandria has offered encouragement during our journey to help both Willie and Francine, and I cannot express enough how wonderful the work is that they do. Even if you can't donate to Willie or Francine's campaign, please consider donating time or services to this worthwhile cause if you're in the area.

We'll keep you posted on our efforts. Please keep us on track with reaching our goal of getting this done before winter!