Community spirit helps volunteers rebuild together

By Sandy James
Review Staff Writer
Published: May 8, 2008

Many low-income elderly and handicapped people don’t have the money or the ability to fix up their homes or address safety issues, but a dedicated group is lending a helping hand and making area homes safer and just plain nicer for these folks.
Rebuilding Together is a nationwide non-profit organization that started in 1988 as “Christmas in April” with 13 affiliates focused on helping low-income neighbors fix-up their houses. The organization changed its name to Rebuilding Together in 2000, and broadened its scope to provide more year-round services. Rebuilding Together provides diverse services focused around the goal of rehabilitation and revitalization.
The local affiliate, Rebuilding Together Orange/Louisa, Inc. was incorporated in 2004 and currently has 16 board members.
The local group met last Saturday to finish a paint job that rain had delayed a week earlier.
The national organization supplied us with wire brushes, paint trays, rollers, brushes and goggles,” said treasurer Naumann Dowdy, as he directed volunteers to the sign-in sheet.
The group was painting the exterior of Shirley Johnson’s home near Trevilians. Johnson is legally blind, and there were several safety issues that were taken care of along with the painting.
“Our first concern is always safety,” said vice-president Karen Elmore.
The group gets information on homes that need repair from Rapidan Better Housing, Louisa/Fluvanna Housing, churches and a variety of other sources.
An upcoming project in June will benefit Mary Williams of Orange County. Williams’ face is a familiar one to motorists on Route 20, as she is often seen walking to and from the town of Orange.
Williams lost her home to a fire a year ago and was given a mobile home. Members of Rebuilding Together Orange/Louisa, Inc. will begin the project with work on the trailer skirting.
For more information on Rebuilding Together, see the website http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/ or for information on the local affiliate call Rebuilding Together Orange/Louisa, Inc. President Ron Smith at 540-832-7332.