Our Safe at Home Program Is Back!

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we temporarily paused interior home modifications provided through our Safe at Home program.  We continued to build exterior ramps during this time, but made the difficult decision to pause the other modifications provided through this program, including installing grab bars, interior handrails, handheld shower units, and much more.  Our goal is to protect the health and well-being of our clients, volunteers, and staff.

We are very excited to share that we relaunched the Safe at Home program this month, and we’ve already assisted nine older adults and individuals living with a disability!  We are helping homeowners like Roxanne who was using her towel rack to steady herself when she was getting into her bathtub, which is dangerous and can result in a serious fall.  Roxanne’s doctor was very concerned about her use of the towel rack.  We added a grab bar, which is a sturdier and safer option because it is fastened into studs and placed properly.  We also added a grab bar to a short set of stairs to help prevent falls and injuries.

If you or someone you know could benefit from home safety and accessibility modifications through our Safe at Home program, please contact us at 651-776-4273 or SafeAtHome@rtmn.org to request an application.

Save the Date for Flannel Fling

Mark your calendar and stay tuned for more details about this year’s Flannel Fling, which will be held on October 7, 2021!

Meet Galen

We are thrilled to share that Galen Kauffman has joined our team as the Program Manager for our Southwest Minnesota Region, which includes Cottonwood, Jackson, and Nobles Counties. Galen joins our team with more than 30 years of residential construction experience, including owning his own construction business which specialized in universal design and aging-in-place modifications; 35 years as a pastor; and 16 years as a municipal judge. Galen also holds a Master of Science in Education from Southwest Minnesota State University.  Please join us as we welcome Galen to the Rebuilding Together Team!

Republic Services Awards National Neighborhood Promise Grants

We are excited to be one of 11 organizations who were awarded a 2021 Neighborhood Promise Grant from the Republic Services Charitable Foundation!

These grants will provide funding for neighborhood revitalization projects across the country in communities where Republic Services customers and employees live and work. According to the Foundation’s news release, “The majority of this year’s projects support historically Black neighborhoods that have experienced disinvestment, and many of them address food insecurity and sustainability efforts.”  You can read the full release here.

The grant we received will be used to further the progress made by local leaders and residents to improve and beautify the Rondo Commemorative Plaza and Community Center in St. Paul.  We are grateful for the support of Republic Services as we honor the history of this place and community, while making the space more functional and welcoming.

Check out KSTP’s article about the grant awards here.