A Community at Work Helping Others
Why Are These Services Needed?
The number of low-income homeowners increases each year. The current 24 million low-income homeowner families is expected to grow to an astonishing 28.5 million by the year 2011. This growth means that more and more families are placed in the position of choosing between vital necessities, such as food or medicine, or a roof that does not leak. Rebuilding Together Greater Harrisburg works to ensure that as many of those families as possible do not have to make these difficult choices.
The RTGH Board sets local goals for the major rehabilitation projects undertaken on National Rebuilding Day (usually the last Saturday in April). RTGH reaches out to disabled homeowners to build ramps, install grab bars, and work on other home modifications to allow these homeowners to safely age in place.
Sometimes RTGH will do significant work preserving and revitalizing local non-profit facilities in central Pennsylvania. RTGH is a large network of unskilled volunteers who join with skilled tradespeople, painting, cleaning, and weatherizing, as well as doing carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. In 2009-2010 RTGH worked on over 61 houses and two non-profit facilities and reaching out to over 350 individuals (directly/indirectly).
Homeowners must be low-income and elderly (over the age of 60), disabled, or families with children, and unable to do the work themselves. To qualify, your name must be on the deed, be current on your property taxes and have exhausted all financial and family means to complete the repairs.
The site selection process takes place locally, within broad national guidelines. Criteria are determined by the RTGH Board. Individual families are referred through neighborhood associations, local governement agencies, churches, synagogues, community organizations, and service groups, or by self-referral.
All repairs are free for homeowners. Labor and many supplies are typically donated. Homeowners and family members are asked to welcome the volunteers into their homes and work alongside them to the extent possible. Our work is done with families and neighborhoods, not for them.
Who Sponsors Rebuilding Together?
Funds come from generous individuals, corporations, labor organizations, foundations, civic organizations, churches, and synagogues that are interested in helping to build a better world. The RTGH Board and volunteers do fundraising, publicity, volunteer recruitment, and management. RTGH is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization supported by voluntary contributions of time and money. Every dollar given is wisely spent and is an investment in building a better America.
Yes. All contributions are tax-deductible. Contributions can be sent to Rebuilding Together Greater Harrisburg, Inc. 251 Verbeke Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102. We also welcome your comments and suggestions.