"The day I walked in, I knew it was home."  

Donny Hilton
Barrett DeWitt

Donny Hilton has spent his entire life working.  

Raised as one of 13 children in a family that had very little, he learned the value of hard work at an early age. By the time he was seven years old, his mother was teaching him sewing and upholstery. Those lessons became the foundation for a career that lasted nearly six decades as a furniture maker and upholsterer, while also working more than 50 years in construction.

"I worked two jobs most of my life," Donny says.  

After years of building homes, businesses, and a life centered around work, Donny began thinking about the future. As he approached retirement, he realized that finding safe, affordable housing before he needed it would allow him to remain independent for as long as possible. Nearly three years ago, he found that future at Barrett Manor.  

"The day I walked in, I knew it was home," he recalls. "Everybody knew my name. Everyone was so welcoming."  

Today, Donny enjoys something he rarely had during his working years—time. He starts each morning early, enjoys coffee with neighbors, attends a local senior program several days each week, and spends time walking outdoors. Most importantly, he encourages others to leave their apartments and become part of the community.  

"You've got to get out," he says. "You can't stay in your apartment."  

Inspired by his own love of drawing and crafting, Donny started a resident arts and crafts program at Barrett Manor. What began as a simple idea has grown into a thriving activity that has encouraged residents—many of whom rarely left their apartments—to come together, create, laugh, and build friendships.  

"It makes me feel good to see people get out of their apartments," he says.  

For Donny, Christopher Community has provided much more than affordable housing. It has given him the financial stability to remain independent, the peace of mind of knowing he has a safe place to call home, and the opportunity to continue making a difference in the lives of others.  

After a lifetime of building things with his hands, Donny is now helping build something even more meaningful—a community where neighbors know one another, friendships flourish, and no one has to grow older alone.

When asked to describe Christopher Community in one word, his answer is simple.  

"Wonderful."