February 2021
Christine's Corner
ExxonMobil Eagle Scout project, 2019
Rebuilding Together is filled with tremendous optimism about our work in 2021. Houstonians continue to stay home to stay safe this winter, yet we know many of our neighbors are living in homes that are not safe.

We're pleased to share with you our initiatives for 2021. Throughout Harris County, we continue to repair the homes of Veterans. We also will build many more ramps throughout the county. We will wind up our Hurricane Harvey repairs. We will continue our Community Revitalization efforts in the Second Ward - 26 homes completed, and 74 to go to reach our goal of 100. 

Most exciting is the return of our beloved volunteers later this spring. With thoughtful safety measures, we will bring the true heart of our work back to our community. Neighbors helping neighbors. I can't wait to see you all out there on job sites! Together, let's make 2021 a year of hope and light for everyone. 
Volunteers David McCalvin and Austin Freeman and their crew
Calling Volunteers Back to Rebuilding Together
Spring VHRP
Crew Leader meeting: March 20
Work Days: April 17 & 24
Rain Date: May 1
The safety of the Rebuilding Together volunteers, homeowners, staff and partners is of utmost importance. So with much sadness, volunteer activities were postponed throughout 2020 leaving many homeowners and volunteers at a loss.

On January 18, 2021, David McCalvin and Austin Freeman led their crew in a wheelchair ramp build, the first volunteer event since the previous MLK Day. RT has developed COVID Safety Protocols to be followed by volunteer crews that include requirements on personal protection, handwashing procedures and volunteer interaction.

Volunteers will be welcomed back for the Spring VHRP (Volunteer Home Repair Program) and Crew Registration is now open. Independent crews can register now. If you are an individual volunteer or a member of a volunteer group that cannot work independently, please contact Lenny DiFranza [email protected].
"It is something that I have been wanting for a long time.
I want to thank Rebuilding Together again and again and again." - Adele O'Neal
Homeowner Spotlight
Martin Luther King had a dream to build a bridge in America that provides everyone access.

That dream became a reality for Adele O'Neal as Rebuilding Together volunteers built a ramp entrance to her home on MLK Day. The project was the first volunteer project since the pandemic brought the world to a halt.

The build caught the Houston media's attention as the Houston Chronicle, ABC 13, and KPRC Channel 2 covered the volunteers building the ramp and Adele watching with ear-to-ear smiles.
Free Home Repairs for Second Ward Homeowners that Qualify

Rebuilding Together Houston has joined the City of Houston's Complete Communities initiative in the Second Ward by repairing the homes of qualified homeowners. To see if you qualify contact RT at 713-659-2511 or [email protected]

Photo: Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia assisted in passing out food to 300 families at the Baker Ripley Food Fair. Participants were given information about free home repairs in Second Ward.
Partner Recognition - CITGO

"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country," spoke and encouraged by John F. Kennedy in his 1961 inauguration speech. Fast forward to Houston, 2017, and the city is drenched in the fury of Harvey. A historical 51 inches of rain fell on the metropolitan area over three days. Homes never touched by floodwaters were drowning in water. Thousands never dreamed of being homeless, but three days of rain transformed Houston neighborhoods into ruined homes and dreams. 

Tragedies can define communities by bringing together organizations with different foundations but mutually shared visions of growth. This vision created a partnership between CITGO and Rebuilding Together to address the need to rebuild our community one home at a time. CITGO Petroleum Corporation was no stranger to Rebuilding Together; they had provided financial and volunteer support to Rebuilding Together since 2016...
The Flanagan family
Veteran Focus 

The US Army asks individuals to find their paths and to leave their mark. Glen Flanagan did just that and enlisted in the US Army, served in Fort Carlson, Colorado, then joined an infantry unit in Germany. He fought, he served, and he is a true American veteran. 

In 2017, Glen fought a new war called Harvey. His home of sixteen years was beat on and beat up. It did not flood, but Harvey took its toll on the Flanagan family. Glen's wife of thirty-four years, Simone, stood by Glen's side, and they fought for their home day and night, calling local and national agencies looking for help without any thoughts of giving up on their family home...
Show of Thanks 

On November 21st, Rebuilding Together hosted the Show of Thanks, a safe, night of community fun to show gratitude and celebrate our volunteers, homeowners and community partners. More than 100 cars filled with guests of all ages joined RT for a showing of the Guardians of the Galaxy at the Moonstruck Drive-In theater. 35% of guests were new to RT and learned about the mission and ways to support Rebuilding Together. 

Special thanks to Chick-fil-A for providing guest meals, My Home is Here for snacks, and Entercom radio stations (100.3 the Bull, 95.7 the Spot, CBS Sports Radio 650, Mega 101 FM, Mix 96.5, Sports Radio 610) for promoting the event.
 
"This was a great event and I'm now very interested in participating in Rebuilding Together in the future!" - Guest comment
Rebuilding Together Mission

Repairing Homes. Revitalizing Communities. Rebuilding Lives.
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