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Home > Get Involved > Welcome to World Vision in Chicago

Windows of Opportunity
Why Leno Silva belongs to The Storehouse of World Vision

Leno Silva and his wife are originally from Mexico. Seven years ago, they purchased a home on the west side of Chicago. It is obvious from the first glance at the red brick bungalow that the couple has put much time into keeping their home in the best possible condition.

Leno decided to visit The Storehouse after hearing about it from a friend, and became a member by asking his local community council to sponsor him. Now he visits on a weekly basis. “When I found out about this place, I was amazed,” he said. Materials are much more expensive at retail stores, and Leno appreciates being able to obtain the same quality supplies from The Storehouse that he would not otherwise be able to afford. Leno said that if he could not get windows from The Storehouse at such a low cost, he would not be able to replace the old ones in his home.

This is a common sentiment among The Storehouse members. For a family that is just getting by, having the means to replace drafty windows makes a big difference. Not only can new windows increase the value of a home and make it look nicer, but they can also reduce high heating bills. During Chicago’s cold winters, an unexpectedly high heating bill can be difficult for many Storehouse members to manage. Affordable materials from The Storehouse, like windows that are typically quite expensive, have a lasting impact on families that may be struggling financially.

Leno has already replaced nine windows in his home with ones he found at The Storehouse—in the bedrooms and kitchen. He is waiting patiently for the right window for his living room, and stops at The Storehouse each week to make sure he doesn’t miss the size he needs. “I always make sure that I have a tape measure and the list of the measurements with me,” Leno explained, in case he makes an unexpected visit.

Leno’s biggest projects have been replacing the windows. He uses the carpentry skills he learned from his brother to add molding around the inside exactly the way he wants it. “I feel I am doing better than the contractors because I do it just perfectly,” he said with a smile.

Leno’s skilled craftsmanship is evident not only around the windows, but in the cabinets and headboards he made for the bedrooms as well. He spends all of his free time either with his family or working on these household projects. Leno replaced the kitchen cabinet doors with doors he made himself, and hinges he found at The Storehouse. He has completely refinished the bathroom, and recently found ceramic tile at The Storehouse to lay in the kitchen. The Silva family can live in a beautiful home because Leno uses materials from The Storehouse to make all of the furniture, and keep the home in good condition.

He still has some work to do, but he doesn’t mind. “I enjoy what I am doing,” Leno said. With materials from The Storehouse combined with his own patience and talent, Leno is able to restore and maintain his home. So whether he is playing with his daughters or entertaining guests, Leno can be proud of the work he has done and the high-quality results.

Who Is World Vision?

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.

� 2008 World Vision Inc.

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