Save the Date for our (Virtual) Flannel Fling!

Our Flannel Fling is going virtual this year, and even though you are staying home, we still want to see you wearing your best flannel for this event!

When: Thursday, October 22nd at 6 pm

Where: one.bidpal.net/flannelfling2020

What: The Flannel Fling will be an entertaining, virtual event with a call to action for funds to assist more homeowners in the Twin Cities. We currently have more than 160 families on our waiting list.

We will kick-off this virtual event on Thursday, October 15th with the Dessert Dash when you can bid on your favorite dessert. The Dessert Dash will close on Monday, October 19th.

The auction will open on Monday, October 19th and will close after the event on Thursday, October 22nd.

Interested in sponsoring this event? Please email Annette at a.rodriguez@rebuildingtogether-twincities.org.

Program Manager Ryan Karis Retired

Our long-time Program Manager Ryan Karis recently retired.  We are very grateful for his expertise and dedication to helping those in need.

Our Program Director Tony Sjogren said, “Ryan truly lived the mission of Rebuilding Together Twin Cities. His heart, passion and skills went into every project he completed. His compassion for our clients and his collaboration with our volunteers will be the hallmark of his time at our organization.”

Armand Peterson of the Honeywell Ramp Team said, “The members of the Honeywell Retiree Ramp Crew hope Ryan has a great retirement, although we suspect he will be much more relaxed now that he does not have to deal with a cantankerous bunch of old fogies who might be a little set in our ways. Tell him to stop by one of our future projects for a visit some time to talk about the good times. Maybe pick up some joist hangars or 5-inch LedgerLoks while he is on the way. Cheers!”

Ryan will be greatly missed. Please join us as we wish him well on this next chapter!

Twin Cities Community Rebuilding Coalition Update

In response to the social unrest and damage caused by rioting, we joined HandsOn Twin Cities, Heart of America, and Tree Trust to form the Twin Cities Community Rebuilding Coalition. Together, our organizations have more than 180 years of experience in managing volunteers, and we already have nearly 20 additional organizations who have signed on to participate in our Twin Cities Community Rebuilding Coalition.  The partnership has now expanded to include community, economic, nonprofit, association, city organizations and government agencies.  We recognize that the work to heal and rebuild areas impacted by civil unrest is complicated and requires a cross-sector, multifaceted approach.

Our Coalition is focused on volunteer engagement in the recovery effort, and we are also coordinating with local contractors who plan to donate skilled labor and corporate partners who are providing a number of pro bono services and products to help small businesses and nonprofits along these corridors recover, including legal advice, navigating the insurance process, how to hire a reputable contractor, communications and marketing support, architectural consulting, human resources, and technology support.

Our Twin Cities collaboration is focused on building better than before, in a way that recognizes Minnesota’s long history of racial injustice in property ownership, lending, and individual opportunity. Our support will be shaped by neighborhood groups, coalition members, and the broader community. By listening to the lived experience of those most impacted, we will fulfill the needs of affected businesses and organizations in a manner that directs opportunities to BIPOC-led businesses.

We welcome other public, private and nonprofit organizations to join our growing roster of partners committed to building racial equity in the Twin Cities.  Together, we can help our neighbors and neighborhoods recover and heal and build a stronger, more equitable, and more just community.

Find out more about how you can get involved at www.tccrc.org.

Ramp Teams Are Still Hard at Work

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting safety precautions, including wearing masks in the summer heat, our Ramp Teams are still hard at work this summer, building ramps for our neighbors in need!  The Opus Ramp Team recently constructed a ramp for Noy, who had a stroke and needs a wheelchair for emergencies, medical appointments, safe transportation, etc.  And, our Honeywell Ramp Team has also continued to build ramps for homeowners who are seniors or are living with a disability.   We are so proud of these amazing volunteers!