Coldwell Banker Burnet, who recently surprised us with a donation, for their recent contribution, partnership and support over the years.
Thanks To…
Sponsor Highlight: Wells Fargo
Rebuilding Together Twin Cities began partnering with Wells Fargo in 2009. Since then, 660 employee volunteers have contributed 4,412 hours of volunteer service towards 32 home and community center repair projects. This is equivalent to two years and two months of work done by a contractor and a total value of over $110,000.
Last fall, we recognized this tremendous contribution from Wells Fargo with our Community Builder Award. Kathy Greiner, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Twin Cities, said of our partnership, “Wells Fargo’s support, dedication and the enthusiasm their many employees bring to our home renovation projects, gives hope and life back to the many families and homeowners that they have helped throughout the year.”
Thank you to Wells Fargo for your commitment and support of our efforts to help low-income homeowners and neighborhoods! We look forward to continuing our partnership!
Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps Members Repair Flood-Damaged Homes in Louisiana for MLK Day
Last week, our AmeriCorps members Steve and Jacob, joined AmeriCorps members from Rebuilding Together affiliates nationwide in Lafayette, Louisiana, to rebuild six homes affected by the recent flood with Rebuilding Together Acadiana. One of these homes belongs to a retired nurse who lost her husband, a World War II veteran. During the flood, her home was inundated with a foot of water, displacing them for a week. Many homeowners in the area did not have flood insurance.
“Many older homeowners affected by the recent floods are unable to perform repairs on their own,” said Jodee Ware, Executive Director of Rebuilding Together Acadiana. “The support of AmeriCorps members coming from across the country to repair these homes, will allow these older adults to remain safely remain in their neighborhood and get their lives back on track.”
The U. S. Congress designated the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. as a holiday in 1983, it later became a national day of service led by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) under which the AmeriCorps program resides. Bill Basl, Director of AmeriCorps, acknowledged, “This day is an effort to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and this project epitomizes his servant leader spirit. The AmeriCorps members with Rebuilding Together understand the value of service and are leading the way to transform communities.”
“Long after other organizations have left, Rebuilding Together continues its support of victims of natural disasters by helping them rebuild their homes,” said Caroline Blakely, President and CEO of Rebuilding Together. “We are grateful for our AmeriCorps members who are joining hands in Louisiana and in the spirit of MLK Day are supporting homeowners who are still recovering from the devastating floods in the southeastern part of the state.”
Rebuilding Together has been a recipient of the AmeriCorps program since 2008. This year Rebuilding Together has received a $781,697 AmeriCorps grant from CNCS to support 87 AmeriCorps members who are providing critical support to our mission of transforming the lives of low-income homeowners by improving the safety and health of their homes and revitalizing our communities. This grant is supporting AmeriCorps members in 28 cities and 19 states across the country.
Rebuilding Together Founding President & CEO Patty Johnson Passes Away
From Current Rebuilding Together President & CEO Caroline Blakely:
It is with great sadness that I share the news that Patty Johnson, founding President & CEO of Rebuilding Together, passed away unexpectedly this weekend due to complications from the flu. As many of you know, Patty impacted the lives of tens of thousands of low-income homeowners, allowing older adults to age in place, helping injured veterans and people with disabilities to live with dignity and giving young children around the country a safe place to live and learn.
Patty was a tireless advocate for people in need. She never lost sight of Rebuilding Together’s mission and the critical impact your work had on low-income homeowners and the communities in which they live. Her energy and enthusiasm left an indelible impression in the hearts and minds of everyone she touched.
Please join us in extending our heartfelt condolences to her wonderful family and friends. Her passing is a tremendous loss for the Rebuilding Together community. For those of you who would like to send a sympathy card or note to her husband Tom and her family, their address is 3318 Fessenden St., N.W., Washington DC 20008.