When U.S. Army Reservist Issaka Koudougou left Brooklyn for military training, he never expected danger to strike back home. While he was away, his wife smelled gas in their Canarsie house and evacuated with their two young children.

National Grid arrived quickly and confirmed a major gas leak coming from an aging, illegally modified boiler wrapped in deteriorating asbestos.

The family had unknowingly been living with a life‑threatening hazard.

Through NHSNYC’s Reimagining Home program, made possible by Airbnb, the Koudougous received an emergency repair grant to replace the boiler immediately.

Just two weeks before New York City’s heaviest snowfall in a decade, a new, energy‑efficient unit was installed — bringing critical safety, warmth, and financial relief. Their heating bill dropped, too,  from $750 a month to $217, and they no longer had to rely on unsafe space heaters.

The grant gave the family stability and peace of mind. Once his training ends, Mr. Koudougou plans to further improve the home, from waterproofing the basement to taking NHSNYC classes on landlord training, insurance, and repairs.

After months of fear and uncertainty, the family finally feels safe again.

“This program saved us,” he said. “It really did.”

To learn more about NHSNYC’s Reimaging Home Grant program, worth up to $7,500 in emergency repairs, as well as NHSNYC’s home repair loans for emergency repairs, home improvements, and modifications of up to $30,000, visit www.nhsnyc.org/lending.