Thanks To…

Taylor Winscher and Derek Steffes – volunteered at the warehouse

Board Members Erin Steckler, David Mohs, Bart Foreman and Brian Frey – volunteered at our booth at the HandsOn Volunteer Expo

Bring Zack Mohs Home

When Zack was hit and left for dead on an Anchorage street in September of 2012, doctors told his mother Cheryl Young that her son would not survive.  They would try to keep him alive until she could get there.

Cheryl never gave up her firm belief that Zack would not only survive, but that he would someday walk again. After getting Zack through his darkest times, Cheryl had him transferred to the Courage Center in Golden Valley for his long journey back to recovery. She then rallied friends and family around her personal dream – an accessible home for Zack that would accommodate his mobility needs and give him a place where he can continue his recovery.

However, times were tough.  The driver who hit Zack had no car insurance. Zack had no health insurance. Medical bills quickly ate up their savings, and neither Zack nor Cheryl could work.  With no big insurance settlement and no bank willing to give them a loan, Cheryl did whatever she could. House plans were donated, a lot in South St. Paul was purchased and a foundation was put in.  Through her own tenacity, she raised $100,000 towards a $220,000 home.

Last year, Cheryl approached the Builder’s Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) Foundation for help. Her story of steadfast belief in her son and his remarkable progress moved the BATC Foundation to come to Barnraisings and say, “if you can raise $60,000, we’ll match it, so Cheryl can finish Zack’s house.”

Amidst it all, Cheryl was diagnosed with cancer and was in a major auto accident herself.  Please visit Barnraisings for more information about Zack and Cheryl’s incredible story and to find out how you can help at www.barnraisings.com/campaigns/bring-zack-mohs-home.

AmeriCorps Members Help Pittsburgh-Area Homeowners in Need for MLK Day of Service

Our AmeriCorps members, Jessie, Alina and Kyle, traveled to Pittsburgh last month for a week of service in honor of the Martin Luther King Day of Service.  They joined more than 60 other Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps members from 25 states and 15 AmeriCorps program alumni.  Together, they provided critical repairs for eight veteran and senior citizen homeowners in need living in the Hazelwood neighborhood in Pittsburgh.

This event was hosted by Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, which has invested more than $9 million of free repairs in 2,060 Allegheny County homes since 1993.

“Hazelwood has struggled for decades since the collapse of the steel industry that lined its waterfront,” said Steve Hellner-Burris, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh.  “With new development projects now finally taking shape, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh is proud to partner with Hazelwood community leaders to stabilize the housing conditions for the long-time residents so that they can stay safely in their homes and realize the benefits of an improving neighborhood economy.”

Thanks to Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh for hosting this meaningful event and to everyone who came together for this incredible week of service!