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'Rebuilding Together' helps low-income home owners

BY: LINDA RUSH
THE SOUTHERN

Sunday, April 2, 2006 12:15 AM CST

CARBONDALE - The name says it all.

"Rebuilding Together in Carbondale Township" is a partnership with a simple mission: Keeping homeowners safe, warm and independent.

Currently, the nonprofit volunteer group is looking for low-income homeowners who could use a hand in repairing the houses they live in, cleaning up yards or just adding a coat of paint where needed. The labor and repairs are free.

The job can be as extensive as a new roof - or as simple as a bathroom grab-bar for an elderly or disabled person.

Volunteers can clear away leaves from gutters, trim overhanging branches or trim unruly shrubs as well.

All those who could use the help are asked to apply by April 15 to Karen or Jan at the Carbondale Township Office after 1 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call (618) 457-3366. Applicants must be homeowners, who can be low-income, elderly, disabled or families with children.

After completing the form, the householders meet with Rebuilding Carbondale house inspectors to discuss the needed repairs. The group will assess each project to determine if it can do the repairs, then notify those who are chosen. "We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants for our services," said Marjorie Bryson, a spokesperson for the group.

The repairs will be made in September or October. This year's target date for repairing homes will be Saturday, Sept. 23, or Saturday, Sept. 30.

The volunteers - ranging from building trades professionals to college, high school and grade school students to senior citizens. Teams of volunteers may include church groups, fraternity or sorority members, even entire families. During the Saturday "blitz" the volunteers first gather for breakfast, then break into teams to work at individual homes. Most work is accomplished on the target day, though some jobs may be completed a day or two later, after paint dries or concrete sets.

Volunteer Ed Phillips, an assistant professor of aviation management at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, said he joined the effort because he was raised in a large family in which members help one another. Reaching out to others seemed natural. Phillips also encourages his students to volunteer their time to give back to the community that is their home while they are in school.

The Carbondale chapter, incorporated in March 2003, is part of a national organization that was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. All 50 states are participants; there now are more than 865 affiliates in cities and towns.

Since its founding, the Carbondale chapter has repaired or rehabilitated a total of 15 homes. Materials have been provided free or at discounts by Lowe's, Associated Lumber, Murdale True Value, Carbondale Electric, Modern Tile, Quality Sheet Metal, RP Coatings and Schimpf Construction. Ed Burris Disposal Services hauled away trash from the sites.

Silkworm provided T-shirts for volunteers at below market value; Kroger's and Cristaudo's have provided free water and doughnuts for work crews. Churches, banks, organizations and individuals also have contributed cash for the general operation of Rebuilding Together in Carbondale Township.

To volunteer, contact the Rebuilding headquarters in the Carbondale Township Offices, 217 E. Main St., or call (618) 457-3366 after 1 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The national group, Rebuilding Together USA, is looking for support for its "Rebuild 1000" effort to rebuild 1,000 decent houses affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Countrywide Financial Corporation has pledged $500,000 to support the effort and also will match donations, dollar for dollar, up to an additional $500,000.

linda.rush@thesouthern.com

(618) 529-5454 ext. 5079