ReBuilding Together Announces New Program, Calls For Volunteers

Photo By John Hoff

Brett Thompson, Emergency Repair Coordinator for ReBuilding Together, was at the December Hawthorne Housing Committee Meeting, and announced a program to help low-income homeowners, as well as putting out a call for volunteers...

You will find Brett's email address at the bottom. At the meeting, I told Brett I'd simply publish her letter to put out the word. I will say, however, the new program to help citizens with much-needed repairs is really exciting. But not everybody who may need such a program is internet savvy, so please help spread the word if you know a neighbor in need who doesn't regularly "surf the web."

Here's Brett's letter:

Calling ALL Skilled Volunteers!

My name is Brett Thompson and I am the Emergency Repair Coordinator with Rebuilding Together Twin Cities (RTTC). RTTC is a non-profit housing organization that brings volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners. RTTC provides the tools, building materials, and volunteer labor to help low-income homeowners repair or modify their homes to make them accessible, safe and warm at no cost to the homeowner.

Since being founded in 1997, RTTC has rehabilitated 131 homes and 8 non-profit centers thanks in large part to the hard work and dedication of more than 3,500 volunteers.

RTTC is excited to announce Safe & Healthy Homes, a duel minor home modification and emergency repair program that will start in 2009 serving low-income homeowners who are faced with the prospect of losing their home or independence as the result of needing a home modification they are unable to address. The goal of minor home modification is to improve the quality of life and degree of independence for low-income elderly or disabled homeowners by increasing mobility and safety in their homes.

The emergency repair program will address home repairs that present and immediate risk to the safety or health of individuals in the home. To help meet the needs of low-income homeowners with emergency repairs, RTTC has partnered with Project for Pride in Living (PPL).

PPL started their Emergency Repair Program in 1972 and RTTC is excited to join them in this effort to help homeowners when the need is most urgent.

In light of the current economic instability our country faces, it is more critical than ever that low-income homeowners who may qualify for this program are made aware of the services that could help them through the difficult times ahead. In preparation for the launch of Safe & Healthy Homes in January 2009, I am contacting local individuals, organizations, groups and businesses to establish relationships that will help us spread the word about our new program.

Volunters are going to play a critical role in the success of Safe & Healthy Homes. Working with homeowners and RTTC staff, skilled volunteers will provide the dedication and motivation to ensure the needs of homeowners are attended to in a timely manner. There are numerous ways to get involved; including working with RTTC to network with skilled individuals, referring possible low-income homeowners, providing in-kind donations, and/or becoming Safe & Healthy Homes' volunteers.

Skilled volunteer support is also critical for the continued success of RTTC's fall and spring rebuilding days. RTTC prides itself in making quality, in-depth repairs on the homes of low-income homeowners. These repairs are indubitably made possible due to skilled volunteers who bring to RTTC their construction knowledge and those who join the Home Team Volunteer Core and become teachers as they empower and inform volunteers and homeowners in completing home modifications and repairs.

From construction supervisors who spend multiple weeks working with RTTC staff to plan and prepare projects, to house captains who lend their construction expertise to making repairs on rebuilding day, killed volunteers are key components to the success of RTTC's Rebuilding Day Program.

With skilled volunteers taking on these important leadership roles, RTTC is able to focus efforts and resources on addressing the needs of a larger number of low-income homeowners.

If you, your business organization, club or family would like to work with RTTC to improve the lives of your community, please contact me (Brett Thompson) at 651-776-4273. Or email at b.thompson@rebuildingtogether-twincities.org to gather more information or schedule a meeting.

Click here for the Twin Cities Rebuilding Together website.