{"id":1740,"date":"2026-06-05T16:05:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-05T16:05:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southfloridamovingguides.com\/?p=1740"},"modified":"2026-06-05T16:05:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T16:05:16","slug":"major-milestone-reached-as-community-rallies-to-restore-home-of-richmond-heights-couple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southfloridamovingguides.com\/?p=1740","title":{"rendered":"Major milestone reached as community rallies to restore home of Richmond Heights couple"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. \u2014 When Local 10 launched \u201cGood News South Florida\u201d in April, the goal was not only to share uplifting stories but also to inspire viewers to become part of them.<\/p>\n

Read more Employers added 172,000 jobs last month as US job market shows resilience despite Iran war<\/a><\/p>\n

Leer en espa\u00f1ol<\/p>\n

That mission is already making a tangible impact.<\/p>\n

Two months ago, \u201cGood News South Florida\u201d introduced viewers to Edward and Clara Knox, a Richmond Heights couple spending their retirement years in a home that had fallen into severe disrepair. Today, thanks to an outpouring of community support, volunteers, donations, and partnerships, restoration work is underway\u2014and hope has been restored alongside it.<\/p>\n

A major milestone was recently reached when the project received its building permit, clearing the way for construction to begin in earnest. Volunteers and supporters celebrated the achievement with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the start of a long-awaited transformation.<\/p>\n

The effort began when Rixys Alfonso, CEO of the Nonprofit Executive Alliance, brought the Knoxes\u2019 situation to the attention of Local 10.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to support Mr. Knox and I want to do all I can to make sure he is not homeless,\u201d Alfonso said.<\/p>\n

She shared video showing the deteriorating condition of the couple\u2019s home and issued an emotional appeal for help. The call resonated with volunteers throughout South Florida.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just need to roll up our sleeves and get this project done,\u201d said volunteer Liudmila Esquerdo.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019ve asked yourself how can you make a difference, this project is it,\u201d added volunteer and police officer Robert McKay.<\/p>\n

Local 10 shared the Knoxes\u2019 story with viewers on April 3, launching a community response that continues to grow.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got faith that this is actually going to happen,\u201d Edward Knox said at the time.<\/p>\n

That faith quickly turned into action.<\/p>\n

Today, what may appear to be a construction zone is actually a symbol of progress. Crews and volunteers have removed the home\u2019s failing roof and begun critical repairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI gave the go-ahead to remove the roof, which was the real issue facing this structure, and everything else is good to go,\u201d said structural engineer Eliezer Diaz.<\/p>\n

Additional materials have already been secured through donations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe already have the tiles donated. We have the windows. We have the doors, so we are going to secure the home once we have the roof,\u201d said Joe Puentes, co-founder of WikiVoice.<\/p>\n

For Edward and Clara Knox, the speed of the progress has been both surprising and uplifting.<\/p>\n

Read more Virginia man faces sentencing for double murder scheme in affair with Brazilian au pair<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s moving faster than I thought it would,\u201d Edward Knox said. \u201cGreat. Feel great. And all of the band of angels are working so fast.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those \u201cangels\u201d are volunteers donating their time, skills, and labor\u2014not for a paycheck, but for the opportunity to help neighbors in need.<\/p>\n

Max Santiago, a volunteer with Bedrock Renovations, traveled home from Tallahassee during his summer break to participate.<\/p>\n

\u201cI usually never come home during the summer break,\u201d Santiago said. \u201cBut coming back and being able to help someone that\u2019s in the community that I grew up in is awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n

The project remains entirely volunteer-driven and continues to welcome community involvement.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a 100-percent volunteer project,\u201d said volunteer and real estate appraiser Deiky Vergel. \u201cWe welcome anyone in the community that wants to be part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

As work continues, Edward Knox remains grateful\u2014and optimistic that more helping hands will join the effort.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I pray, I say, \u2018Lord, find some more angels,\u2019\u201d he said. \u201cJust like he found this group, he\u2019ll find some more.\u201d<\/p>\n

How to Help<\/b><\/h3>\n

Community members who would like to support the restoration of the Knox home have several ways to get involved.<\/p>\n

Those in the construction industry are invited to attend a networking event on June 18. Supporters can also make secure monetary donations to the project.<\/p>\n

One hundred percent of donated funds go directly toward the restoration of the Knox home. Local 10 will continue providing monthly updates, allowing donors and volunteers to see firsthand how community contributions are making a difference.<\/p>\n