Rebuilding Together: A Nationwide Movement to Strengthen Our Communities
Photo courtesy of Rebuilding Together on Facebook
We are excited to share a new organization that’s been brought to our attention, Rebuilding Together! This community-focused nonprofit has affiliates nationwide to help neighbors in need and work to revitalize communities.
So, what is [Re]Build? As the organization explains, their community and corporate partners focus on:
“[Re]pairing Homes of families, older adults, people with disabilities and survivors of disasters. We are dedicated.
“[Re]vitalizing Communities where we live, work and learn. We are devoted.
“[Re]building Lives through raising awareness of the housing problems facing 1.65 million of our neighbors in need across the country. We are determined.”
Currently, Rebuilding Together is searching for New Hampshire affiliates, and we are reaching out to our Charity Connect Partnership Network to see if they would like to get involved! Read on to learn more about their programs, impact, and how you can become a [Re]Builder.
About Rebuilding Together
Simply put, Rebuilding Together makes essential repairs that allow our neighbors to stay in their homes—but their work often goes beyond the home. Local affiliates strive to strengthen their communities by working with local residents and leaders, developing and implementing plans to address specific needs.
Rebuilding Together also supports the long-term recovery of communities struck by natural disasters, often helping residents rebuild months and even years after an event. Their vision is “Safe homes and communities for everyone.”
Rebuilding Together began in 1973 when a small group of people in Midland, Texas, recognized the growing number of homes in their community and the fact that their neighbors couldn’t afford to repair them. The group volunteered their time and skills to rehabilitate their neighbors’ homes. When the potential impact of their work became obvious, they formed Christmas in April, aiming to perform repair and rehabilitation work in their community every April.
Over time, the group and mission grew, achieving national recognition. The first national office opened in 1988, and the organization became Rebuilding Together.
As for the [Re]Builders’ impact, over six in 10 neighbors either maintained good/excellent health after repairs, or experienced improved health after repairs. Home maintenance costs also decreased for 27% of neighbors. Meanwhile, 67% of neighbors reported reduced stress. And these are just a few stats!
Rebuilding Together has four key programs:
Photo courtesy of Rebuilding Together on Facebook
Building a Healthy Neighborhood: This is a multi-year partnership between Rebuilding Together, residents, and community stakeholders to revitalize neighborhoods with safe, healthy, affordable homes and community spaces accessible for all.
Disaster Readiness and Recovery: This program aids families and communities affected by natural disasters by offering disaster mitigation, preparedness, response, and long-term recovery support.
Safe at Home: Safe at Home provides modifications for older adults and people with disabilities to improve accessibility, reduce falls, increase independence, and facilitate aging-in-place.
She Builds: Women-led and women-focused, She Builds empowers women-headed households and women-focused community spaces by providing critical repairs and enabling them to maintain safe, healthy homes, make a difference in their communities, and build a supportive community network.
Learn more about Rebuilding Together’s programs.
Become a New Hampshire [Re]Builder
We’re sharing a PSA for our Charity Connect Partnership Network because Rebuilding Together is looking for New Hampshire contractors, service providers, and other community members who are interested in giving back to their neighbors. If you’re wondering all the ways you could help, common repairs include, but aren’t limited to:
Bathroom modifications (e.g., grab bars)
Roof repairs
Installing wheelchair ramps
Repairing HVAC systems
Replacing windows and doors
Mold remediation
Interior and exterior painting
Yard maintenance
Fire safety prevention (e.g., smoke alarm installation)
If you would like to get involved and join this movement of individuals passionate about ensuring safe homes and communities for everyone, learn how you can join Rebuilding Together today!
And remember to follow Rebuilding Together on Facebook or Instagram @rebuildingtogether to keep up with their recent projects and efforts.