Hometown Home Makeover
Amy and Chuck Schulze have been life long volunteers, giving to their community. Now they need help from this community. Amy and her daughters Elizabeth and Erica all suffer from a rare disorder known as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or EDS. EDS is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder that disrupts the bodies’ production of collagen, making tendons lax. The result is frequent joint injuries, dislocations, and even bone fractures.
A simple handshake can dislocate a shoulder, a fall can cause a bone to break. Right now the house is one of the biggest obstacles to their health. Twelve-year-old Elizabeth dislocates her hip on a weekly basis and she the disease has caused her neck to become so unstable that doctors fear it is actually damaging her spinal cord. Seven-year-old Erica has broken her ankle twice the past few months and had to have surgery on her skull and spine. Their parents and brother care them for, but it is a constant challenge. Amy’s own EDS puts her a risk every time she moves to help her daughters. Home Sweet Home, has become a danger zone. Both Amy and Chuck have devoted much of their adult life volunteering to help others. They never expected to find themselves in a situation where they have exhausted all of their funds just to live together safely, as a family.
Destination Home, LLC is hoping to change all of that for the Schulze family. They are joining forces with HEARTH (Professionals for Independent Living) and COTF (Cincinnati OT Foundation) to raise funds for a redesign and remodel of the Schulze home. The group is looking for volunteers to sponsor 
different supplies, ranging from tiles to an elevator and everything in between. This will be a Homegrown Home Makeover. The four-phase design plan is in place. The main focus is to make the home safe for all the family members while also giving them independence. Local media are invited to join the team on their walk through. If you would like to be a supply sponsor, please check out the list on the back.
This family who has given so much, now needs help to in their home. If you think you would like to help with this hometown home makeover, contact them at 513-200-5247 or donate at COTFOhio.org. To follow the progress view the family blog at www.schulzefamily.com/blog/
Schulze Project List
Bathroom Items (First and Second Floor):
2 – Comfort height toilets (Kohler-Cimeron)
2 – Bidet seat unit (Toto)
2 – Slide-on Toilet Paper holder
2 – Handheld shower heads (Moen)
2 – One handle shower regulator with grab bar
2 – “Quick Drain” linear shower drains.
2 – Shower curtains & rods
2 – Folding Wall-mounted shower seats
2 – Automatic soap dispenser for shampoo
2 – 36” cultured marble bathroom tops with bowl.
2 – Motion sensor vanity faucets.
2 – Automatic soap dispensers
2 – Adjustable or full height mirrors
2 – Towel Bars (“Ring-style”)
5 – Robe Hooks
2 – Motion detector lights for hallway
60 sqft of ceramic tile for the 1st floor bathroom.
90 sqft of ceramic tile for the 2nd floor bathroom.
80 sqft of ceramic tile for the 1st floor shower walls.
80 sqft of ceramic tile for the 2nd floor shower walls.
Kitchen Items:
1 – Undermount Kitchen sink (max 7″ depth)
1 – Automated Kitchen sink faucet
Kitchen counter tops.
330 sqft of flooring for the Kitchen.
Wall mounted oven
Cooktop, Electric with controls in the front (Whirlpool)
1 – Mirror over cooktop, non-fog
Universal Design Cabinets (IKEA selection)
5 - Pull down shelving for upper cabinets
1 - Heavy duty mixer lift
Accessible Knobs for drawers and cabinets
3 – Bulletin Boards for artwork
3 – Wipe-off boards
2 – File Drawers
Miscellaneous Items:
Accessible Van
Elevator with automatic door and gate for 2-stops
2- Automatic door openers (Power Access)
Front loading washer and dryer with pedestals
Cordless phone and intercom system
Second Floor:
3 – Motion detector lights for hallway
32 sqyds of carpet for the 2nd floor bedroom.
3 – Pull-down rod closet shelving system
3 – Floor to ceiling shoe tree
Building Materials:
5 – 3’-0” right hand 6 panel hollow core doors.
3 – 3’-0” left hand 6 panel hollow core doors.
1 – 5’-0” bi-hinged 6 panel hollow core door.
2×4 wood studs
Drywall sheets and supplies
Interior Latex Paint