Rebuilding Together-Peoria, a not-for-profit organization, is an all-volunteer group that partners with the community to rehabilitate homes of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled. The efforts of the many volunteers make it possible for others to continue to live in warmth, safety and independence. Rebuilding Together is the nation’s largest non-profit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods. The network of more than 200 affiliates provides free modifications and repairs, making homes safer, more accessible, and more energy efficient.
“This is the 20th year for the project,” says Pam Howe, a Board member and team leader for the Peoria affiliate. The group was first called Christmas in April and it started in Texas through the efforts of one minister helping a homeowner in need. Later the name was changed to Rebuilding Together. The Junior League of Peoria heard about the group, organizing it here for the first completed project in 1994. After 19 years of volunteers working together, 319 projects have been completed locally.
Projects are renovations and repairs that include assistance with yard clean-up to more extensive renovations involving plastering, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical repairs. The goal is to renovate 15 homes and/or non-profit facilities each year. Funding for all repairs is provided by Rebuilding Together-Peoria at no charge to the homeowner or non-profit organization. The cities of Peoria, East Peoria and West Peoria, Richwoods and West Peoria Townships, Peoria County, area businesses, churches, service organizations, the West Central Illinois Building Trades Council and its members sponsor Rebuilding Together-Peoria’s National Rebuilding Day Additional support comes from individuals.
General criteria for assistance includes: homeowner in the city of Peoria, East Peoria, West Peoria or Richwoods Township; low-income household as defined by Housing and Urban Development (HUD); at least one elderly or disabled occupant; payment for property taxes is current; and active property and casualty homeowners insurance.
The Peoria Board of Directors is comprised of community representative and business leaders. For most of the volunteers, Rebuilding Together-Peoria is a one-day event. “It is always the last Saturday in April,” says Pam. This year National Rebuilding Day will take place on April 27th. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old or 14 years old when accompanied by a parent or guardian. To date, a dedicated volunteer network has contributed well over 125,000 hours of their time and skills making a significant difference in people’s lives. “We have a passion for this,” says Pam enthusiastically. “It is a labor of love.”
Individual homeowners and non-profit or organizations may request an application to complete and return. Churches, businesses, and neighborhood or service organizations may also refer or apply on behalf of homeowners. A visit will be scheduled to explain the program and conduct a walk-through of the home/facility. A committee of volunteers makes the difficult decisions of prioritizing applicants. The committee’s recommendations are presented to the Board of Directors who will select the final recipients.
Currently the need is for volunteers to work on April 27th. Please call (309) 674-2462 or email at rtpeoria@comcast.net or visit the website at www.rebuildingtogetherpeoriail.com.
A tax-deductible gift to help with the costs of the projects may be sent to: Rebuilding Together-Peoria, P.O. Box 6293, Peoria, IL 61601-62963.