PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — After the Portsmouth home Veneeca Neal was about to close on was hit by copper thieves, they left behind water damage and a big mess.
However, several good-hearted WAVY viewers have stepped up in a big way to help out, donating labor and supplies.
“It’s a grateful feeling,” Neal said. “I’m very appreciative of all the people that reached out to WAVY News 10 to be able to be a blessing to the homeowner and to help us get this stuff done so that I’ll be able to buy my first house.”
Lots of wood and cement were donated to rebuild the front, back and side porches.
“Mr. Kevin, he came out,” Neal said. “He cut the grass, it was like knee-high before.”
The copper piping and plumbing that was stolen has been reinstalled. In all, there was about $7,000 worth of damage done to the home. Contractors like Andre Newby, owner of Zonework, donated their time and labor.
“It allows me to be creative,” Newby said. “And being creative allows me to be in a position where I can help people. And that’s my main focus is to help other people.”
Neal hopes they can bring the house up to code within 21 days. If they can’t, she’s at risk of losing a $25,000 assistance grant. Eventually Neal wants to replace the wooden structure with vinyl siding to make it more durable. She’s got lots of plans for her new home, but right now, she’s happy to get it up to code and get those keys in hand.
“Thanks to those in the community, because without you, there’s no me, and without me, there’s no house,” Neal said. “So I just thank God that people just showed up, because this is a community thing, not just for me, not just for the seller, but this is something to show the love of the community.”
Neal said she plans on installing a security system soon. Businesses nearby also told her they’re reviewing their security cameras — hoping to catch the thieves who vandalized the home.
