04-03-2025
Community rallies to raise money for elderly man in need of new tiny home
ANDOVER, N.Y. (WETM) — Being part of a community, especially a more rural one, can give people a sense of pride and togetherness. Neighbors get to know neighbors, and form a special bond. Sometimes when a neighbor is in need, the community steps up to lend a helping hand. This can be said for an elderly man in Alleghany County who needs a new home after.
Paul Glover, 82, has been a resident of Andover in Allegany County, right near the border of Steuben County, since the 1970s. Glover lived in the house on state Route 417 with his mother and sister, but as they got older and passed away, he was the only one left to take care of the home. As Glover aged, he lost the ability to maintain the home himself, and with a limited income, hiring someone to fix the growing issues was unattainable.
With no family to look after him and never being married, Paul was on his own, until his next-door neighbor stepped in. Melissa Fuller has lived across the street from Glover for 13 years. Fuller said Glover was the first to introduce himself when she moved in, and the two have been friends ever since.
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Fuller would take care of Glover in many ways over the years, including cooking and serving him meals on holidays. When she delivered the food, she noticed the conditions inside the house weren't the best, gradually collapsing around him. Glover was without running water, proper heating, and no septic system, something had to be done.
In January, a GoFundMe was started for Glover for a 400 square foot tiny home. At the publication of this article, donations have reached around $12,000 of the $25,000 goal. That goal covers the price of the build and any other additional costs that happen along the way.
Since the start of the GoFundMe, Glover is temporarily living in a fifth-wheel trailer on Fuller's property with appropriate heat, electricity, and water. According to an interview by Genesee Valley Media with Glover and Fuller posted on Facebook, everything inside the trailer will be moved into Glover's new home once it's complete.
Fuller has not been alone in this process. Many of the items Glover is using in the trailer were donated, like the dishes, bedding, clothes, and so much more, Fuller said.
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The community has shown support in more ways than just donations. A fraternity from Alfred State came out to clean up Glover's property before another community member demolished the deteriorating home. A pile of ruble remains where the former house stood, but as the weather improved, the debris can be properly disposed of to clear the lot.
Once the lot is cleared, the new home can be placed and set up to the ground water well, septic system, and electricity. The donated items will be installed inside, like the refrigerator, cabinets, shower, toilet, and many other things that make a house a home. The Steuben County Habitat for Humanity has been a huge help in supplying some of those larger items that would have added onto the cost.
Fuller said the whole project has been handled appropriately by the proper officials. The project is up to code with the Town of Andover and the GoFundMe money is handled by officials at the Wellsville Bible Church.
Fuller hopes the remaining funds can be obtained soon so they can start setting up Glover's house. The plan is to have Glover moved in by late spring so he can begin planting his produce garden in June. Fuller said Glover likes to set up a produce stand along the side of the road where he sells various fruits and vegetables during the summer.
If you're looking to donate to the project, you can do so by visiting the GoFundMe or by sending a check to the Wellsville Bible Church.
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