Rebuilding Together program hosts event

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Rebuilding Together, a program which connects the community through rebuilding homes, officially kicked off today in South Bend.

Established in 1998, the non-profit works to rehabilitate homes of low-income residents while improving neighborhoods overall.

Mayor Pete Buttigieg attended the kickoff event, at a residence selected for home repairs in the 2500 block of Prast Boulevard.

The aim of the program is to make home repairs worth more than $200,000 in selected neighborhoods which include improvements such as fixing water heaters, furnace replacements as well as general and roof repairs.

On two Saturdays in April, close to 1,000 unskilled and skilled volunteers will work together to renovate a selected neighborhood.

The program focuses on improving the lives of disabled and elderly homeowners with free repairs.

This year, west side neighborhoods in South Bend were selected.

Resident Glenn Hall said, "I'm just at a loss of words for how wonderful I feel about what they're doing. I'm overwhelmed. I appreciate it so much."

Lasalle Park and Kennedy Park renovations are slated to begin on Apr. 27.

Board Member of Rebuilding Together in St. Joseph County Jim Sheetz said, “Rebuilding Together is a truly transformational program. Our volunteers from both the local trades and other organizations in the community make a life changing impact for homeowners. From new roofs to handrail installations, these repairs and upgrades allow seniors and others have a better quality of life for years to come.”