Thanks To…

Catholic Heart Workcamp – We were thrilled to host two teams from Catholic Heart Workcamp this month.  One team removed two ramps, repaired a deck, finished handrails on a ramp and installed drywall in a home.  Another team installed new fencing on Minnehaha Ave in Saint Paul. Thank you Catholic Heart!

Honeywell Retired Volunteer Program Ramp Team – Our incredible ramp team from the Honeywell Retired Volunteer Program (HRVP) has helped another low-income homeowner keep their freedom and independence.  HRVP volunteers built a ramp for a North Saint Paul homeowner this month.  We are so thankful for their hard work and dedication!

MidCountry Bank Helps Homeowners Address Code Citations

Thanks to the volunteers from MidCountry Bank for helping Joan and Robert in Crystal!

Joan and Robert have lived in their home for more than 40 years.  After suffering a stroke, Robert requires 24-hour care which, combined with his medical bills, has prevented the couple from having the funds needed to make the necessary repairs to their garage. The City of Crystal cited Joan and Robert for multiple repairs to their garage that had to be completed by July 31st.

On May 25th, volunteers from MidCountry Bank descended on the garage to make the repairs that Joan and Robert were unable to make on their own, including re-shingling the roof, replacing the window and repainting and repairing damaged siding.

We are extremely grateful for the hard work and support of MidCountry Bank, and we are proud of this long-standing partnership, which as continued for more than 10 years!

Wells Fargo Continues to Assist Homeowners in Need

Last month, we highlighted the hard work and support of Wells Fargo.  Their incredible volunteers continued to give of their time this month, providing much-needed repairs for Gloria in Minneapolis.  Over two days, 13 Wells Fargo volunteers converted a tub to a walk-in shower, painted a shed, installed a step that is easier to navigate, and completed several Safe at Home modifications, including installing CO2 detectors, grab bars, motion lights, and a fire extinguisher.

Wells Fargo volunteers also helped a Maplewood family of seven by installing drywall in the basement of their home. The family’s home had a flood last December, and everyone living downstairs had to move upstairs, crowding the single floor of the home. Now, this family is much closer to living in a safer and healthier home.

Thanks to Wells Fargo for continuing to partner with us to help homeowners in need in our community!

A Ramp for Richard

Donations Needed to Fund the Ramp Built for a Man who Brought Joy to Minnesota Through the Local Legend of Paul Bunyan and his Stories

Richard, a 75 year old resident of Burnsville, has shared his gift of storytelling to bring joy to the community. Now, the community has a chance to give back to Richard. Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is asking for donations to pay for Paul Bunyan’s ramp.

Over the years, many Minnesotans have stepped into the enormous shoes of Paul Bunyan – Minnesota’s largest legend. Some were born with a love for the character, while others have had it thrust upon them. Richard falls into the latter category, only discovering his passion for the legend after a former employer forced him to compete in a local Paul Bunyan look-alike contest. Much to his surprise he won, and ever since, Richard has embraced his role and found a love and passion for the local giant. Dressing in the well-known flannel shirt, overall, boots, and carrying a handmade ax, Richard drew upon his experience as a traveling pastor to entertain and inspire the imagination of both young and old through the legends of Paul Bunyan. Many newspapers, magazines, and other publications highlighted the work of Richard, spreading his story and affinity for the legendary lumberjack. In addition to his gift for storytelling, Richard’s passion for the folk hero is evident in his personal collection of Paul Bunyan memorabilia and books, which are displayed prominently in his home.

After many years of sharing stories and spreading joy, Richard now needs support in return. Though he lives alone, Richard enjoys the independence he has caring for himself in his mobile home. After recently suffering a stroke, Richard now experiences mobility issues and aphasia; additional challenges to his already bad knees and hips. These obstacles now make it painful for Richard to navigate his front steps, making entering and exiting his home difficult and dangerous which has prevented Richard from doing the things that he loves.

With the spirit of Paul Bunyan, Richard maintains his determination and optimism about life, and wishes to remain independent as long as possible. In order to help Richard with this dream, Rebuilding Together Twin Cities constructed a ramp leading to his front door. This ramp will enable Richard to recover from his upcoming hip and knee surgery at home while avoiding the expensive recuperation in a rehabilitation facility. With an impending surgery, the need for improvements to the front entrance was immediate. As such, several volunteers organized by Rebuilding Together Twin Cities came together to help build the ramp for Richard. Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is now asking for donations to cover the costs of the project.

Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is hoping to raise $1,800 by August 1st in order to pay for Paul Bunyan’s ramp. Please click here to donate to help Richard!