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A grassroots initiative profiled in Local 10’s Good News South Florida series has mobilized volunteers, contractors and businesses to restore the Richmond Heights residence of Edward and Clara Knox. Over three months, the collaborative effort has transformed what was once a structurally unsafe dwelling into a home steadily advancing toward habitability for the couple who have lived there for more than four decades.
Edward Knox, 75, and his wife faced a home where the roof was collapsing, multiple rooms had become unusable and vegetation had overtaken the property when Local 10 first reported their story in April. The response from viewers and community members was immediate, with volunteers stepping forward to assist the family in realizing their goal of returning home. Knox expressed his gratitude for the unexpected support, saying, “Angels out of nowhere coming to me.”
Initial work focused on removing the structure from Miami-Dade County’s unsafe structures list and obtaining necessary building permits. Crews subsequently removed the damaged roof and cleared debris. The installation of new roof trusses, funded through viewer donations, marked a critical milestone in making the structure weather-resistant.
Local businesses have significantly contributed to the project’s momentum. Skyline Roofing Solutions donated approximately $2,300 worth of plywood, while The Home Depot of Deerwood supplied additional materials. General contractor Jaime Naranjo noted that once the roof is dried in, the team can proceed with window installation, interior framing, plumbing and electrical work.
According to project organizers, approximately $20,000 in remaining materials, labor and services are needed to complete the restoration. Priority items include insulation, electrical components, HVAC systems, lighting fixtures, paint and landscaping work. Drone footage has documented the dramatic transformation from a deteriorated structure to one with newly installed roof decking.
Naranjo emphasized the broader impact of volunteer participation, stating that a few hours of community involvement can transform lives. For Knox, witnessing each construction phase has been deeply moving, describing the progress as “another phase of hallelujah.” Donations and volunteer opportunities are being coordinated through Local 10’s established fund with The Miami Foundation, with 100 percent of contributions directed toward designated projects.
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