Rebuilding Together Twin Cities dispatched 200 volunteers to do needed repairs for/with eight homeowners in the Windom Park, McKinley, Near North, St. Anthony West and Waite Park neighborhoods in North and Northeast Minneapolis on May 22.
‘I have a crew of 12 to 15 volunteers to do Duane’s house,” said Adam Smith, a special ed teacher from Hudson, Wisconsin. “This is my first time to supervise and one day is enough time to complete this project.” Needed repairs included painting the kitchen and living room, replacing a faucet and toilet, regrading around the house due to moisture in the basement, and installing stair and hand rails.
Duane has lived in his home for 64 years. Due to a mental disability and limited income, he lacks the resources to make all the necessary repairs in the home he inherited from his parents.
“I started volunteering two years ago after having had hip surgery,” said Mariette Cole, the supply runner to HOme Depot on the work day. “I was climbing up and down a latter to paint and seemed to be doing well so I continued. I like working with my hands and with people. I enjoy seeing what these repairs do for the homeowners, how it changes their lives.”
Needed repairs focus on safety, warmth and independence. Projects include carpentry, plumbing, electrical, landscaping, insulating, painting and weatherization.
This year’s volunteers came from Cross Glory Church, MidCountry Bank, Robbinsdale United Church of Christ, Westfield Insurance, the general community and Rebuild Together Twin Cities.
Projects are selected through an application process. “We are now going through application for the Fall Rebuild Day.” said Cole. Home owners must own or make mortgage payments on the home to qualify. Household income must be at or below 50 percent of the area income. At least one resident in the house must be elderly, disabled or a child under the age of 18.
People can help low income homeowners by sponsoring a rebuild, volunteering, or donating new or used materials. RTTC is always looking for community volunteers especially those with plumbing, electrical and carpentry skills.
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