Homeowner in 5 On Your Side story overcome with emotion after company's generous donation
A local business owner went above and beyond to help a Raleigh homeowner featured in a 5 On Your Side story.
Matt Milton, owner of Raleigh-based Scientific Comfort Services, donated a new HVAC system and all the time needed to install it to help Laurie Snyder.
It's been almost a year since Snyder found raw sewage leaking into her home through the toilet in the first floor bathroom.
The contaminated water, from Raleigh city sewer lines, flooded most of her first floor last November, leaked into the air vents, ruined her HVAC system and flooded her finished basement!
After the clean-up, Snyder ran out of money and couldn't finish the house, let alone replace the HVAC system.
"It was a long winter for us," said Snyder. "We sat with our coats on all winter sitting in front of a space heater."
No heat last winter turned into no air conditioning this summer.
Milton heard about what happened and initially offered to replace the HVAC unit at cost.
"To walk into a house and see what happened, something that she really had no control over," Milton said. In a shaky voice, he added, "That really struck a chord with me."
Milton removed and replaced the contaminated HVAC unit and duct work.
Then he revealed his incredible surprise for her.
He and others were donating $7,635 worth of material, time and work.
Snyder was in shock looking at the invoice. It reflected no balance due.
She was overcome with tears, disbelief and gratitude.
"This is an incredible gift. I'm not even sure to say ... There are no words," she said sobbing. "Thank you. I can't thank you enough," she told Milton.
5 On Your Side asked Milton, "Why do this?" His answer, simply "Why not?" Adding "I can't imagine this happening in my house."
In addition to his own materials and time, Milton had donations from Johnstone Supply Equipment, Timberlake Residential Engineering, The Royce Company and Steve Hawkins Electrical.
Snyder said having this huge project off her recovery list will make an incredible difference.
"I'm just floored," she said. "I'm just floored. Thank you so much," she said to Milton.
For now, the rest of the reconstruction can wait.
Snyder is just enjoying the air conditioning and looking forward to having heat this winter.
