Rebuilding Together is an Americannon-profit organization with the goal of preserving affordable homeownership and revitalizing neighborhoods through free home repairs and modifications for neighbors in need. Rebuilding Together has completed work on more than 200,000 homes, nonprofit and community centers in the U.S. Rebuilding Together affiliate network consists of 142 offices throughout the United States, whom act in partnership with and on behalf of the organization. Rebuilding Together has several targeted programs that address the needs of specific homeowner populations: veterans, elderly, disabled, and victims of disaster. The work of Rebuilding Together impacts the condition of the surrounding community as well, through community center rehabilitation, playground builds, and partnerships with organizations focused on energy efficiency, sustainable community gardens, volunteer engagement, and homeowner education.
History
Rebuilding Together was founded in Midland, Texas as a local charity in April 1973, and opened a national office in 1988.
Examples of programs
National Rebuilding Day is the signature event of Rebuilding Together. Held on the last Saturday in April, National Rebuilding Day is the day when affiliates plan projects to celebrate the organization’s mission and to bring national attention to the plight of America’s low-income homeowners. The day is embraced by community leaders and national corporate sponsors as a way of bringing impact to America’s communities in a single day.
In the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Rebuilding Together launched the Gulf Coast Operations initiative and a commitment to rebuild 1,000 homes across the Gulf Coast. Rebuild 1000 is executed in partnership with its Gulf Coast affiliates, sponsors, and thousands of volunteers.
Rebuilding Together’s Veterans Housing was created to meet the needs of veterans from past and present wars. Rebuilding Together fills the gaps in modifications and repair services that retired and active servicemen and women struggle to meet.
Rebuilding Together’s AmeriCorps program, called the Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps is a National AmeriCorps program of 70 full-time AmeriCorps members serving in 30 Rebuilding Together affiliates in 23 states. Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps members increase the capacity of Rebuilding Together affiliates to serve additional low-income homeowners through volunteer recruitment, client outreach, repairs for low-income homeowners, new project implementation, community partnership development, and program expansion.
