Restoring Safety and Peace of Mind: The Barton & Wilikester Project in Tumwater
- RTTC
- 16h
- 3 min read
When Barton and Wilikester applied for help from Rebuilding Together Thurston County (RTTC) last November, they were living in a home with more problems than they could manage. The floors in their bathroom, hallway, and kitchen were curling, rotted, and unsafe — serious hazards for Barton, who relies on a walker after surviving three strokes and two heart attacks. Their home's access also posed issues, and with both decks in disrepair and unsuitable for a walker, making Barton feel like a prisoner in his own home. So they waited patiently while RTTC raised funds and coordinated volunteers, and by June, their turn had come.
A Home in Crisis
Barton and Wilikester have lived in their Tumwater home since 2011. They love having their grandchildren visit, but the home’s condition was making life increasingly difficult. Barton worried constantly about falling. He admitted he had fallen before without telling Wilikester, hoping to spare her worry. “I can’t walk very far without running out of breath,” Barton shared. “I get tired and I can’t stand for very long."
On top of the flooring concerns, their decks were deteriorating, stairs lacked safety features, and the bathroom needed grab bars to make daily routines less dangerous. They feared the very real possibility of falling through the floor in their own bathroom.
Volunteers Step Up
When RTTC arrived, they came with skilled volunteers and the backing of Team Depot Foundation, Home Depot’s philanthropic arm. Team Depot donated all of the materials and sent volunteers, who joined RTTC’s dedicated crew to tackle the project. While Team Depot volunteers aren’t able to handle structural, plumbing, or electrical work, they excel at painting, yard work, and home upgrades — and their presence multiplied the impact of this project.
Two RTTC volunteers, Bob Burrell and Pete Kmet, were the backbone of the renovation. By late June, Bob had already put in 50 hours, and Pete had contributed even more. Together they ripped the bathroom down to the joists, removed rotted flooring, reinforced the structure, added insulation, and installed new subflooring. The plan included luxury vinyl plank flooring in the bathroom, hallway, and kitchen to provide a durable, safe surface for Barton’s walker.
Beyond the interior, Team Depot volunteers trimmed hedges and cleared yard debris — simple acts that improved not only the couple's quality of life, but also their relationship with neighbors. This is one of RTTC’s hallmarks: while each project transforms a single home, it also revitalizes the surrounding community, reducing blight and restoring pride to entire neighborhoods.
A Culture of Service
Robin,a manager at home Depot and a Team Depot volunteer, explained that Home Depot encourages its employees to give back. Sign-up sheets in the breakroom let staff choose community projects, from building playgrounds to supporting nonprofits like RTTC. “There’s a culture of always helping people,” Robin said. That culture brought many hands together to ensure Barton and Wilikester’s home was safe again.
Lives Transformed
For Barton and Wilikester, the repairs were life-changing. Barton, who worked more than three decades in housekeeping at St. Peter’s Hospital and also at the Governor Hotel, is deeply grateful to the volunteers who stepped in during his time of need. With grab bars installed, he can now sit safely while showering. Reinforced floors and repaired decks mean fewer hazards. The accessible stairs and railings add a layer of security and dignity.
“We can’t thank you enough,” Wilikester said. “It has changed our lives.”
More Than a Home Repair
This project demonstrates what makes RTTC’s work so powerful. It’s not just about fixing a floor or replacing a railing — it’s about restoring safety, independence, and peace of mind. It’s about helping a family welcome their grandchildren without fear, and ensuring neighbors see a thriving home instead of a declining property.
And it’s about partnerships. Without the generosity of Team Depot Foundation, and without the tireless commitment of volunteers like Bob and Pete, this project wouldn’t have been possible.
How You Can Help
Every project RTTC undertakes is funded by grants, donations, and the dedication of volunteers. Families like Barton and Wilikester often wait months for assistance because demand is so high. You don’t need special skills — if you’re willing to lend a hand, RTTC will find a place for you. Together, we can continue repairing homes, revitalizing communities, and rebuilding lives.
👉 Get involved today: Volunteer with RTTC or Donate to support future projects.
