Rebuilding Together (with Christmas in April) of Washington DC
WISH LIST: $100: replaces a leaky faucet or toilet; $500: buys a new stove or refrigerator; $1000: builds a wheelchair ramp for a house-bound homeowner; $5000: sponsors a group of volunteers to work on a house
One elderly woman lived in a house with ceiling holes so large she could see the sky. A disabled woman living 15 blocks from the capital had never bathed in her own home because of the bathroom’s state of disrepair. A house with exposed live wires, and children in residence, prompted a case reviewer to fax an urgent message: “please help. I want to know these kids will live through the winter.” Isolated cases? Unfortunately not. Since 1983, Rebuilding Together with Christmas in April (for the last decade in conjunction with Sukkot in April, a project of Yachad, Inc.) has rehabilitated 2400 homes, descending each spring with some 4,000 volunteers to make repairs to dilapidated homes and community buildings in DC. Many skilled professionals offer both supplies and expertise, and last year volunteers donated 70,000 hours of time, rebuilt 92 homes and, as they do each year, repaired the facilities of fellow non-profits who could then do their own jobs more effectively. (Philanthropy at work!) The problem is this: the average cost of home sponsorship has risen from $2000 to $5000, and last year the funds available for costly roof repairs ($100,000) were less than half of what was needed. Living at home with dignity is a great gift indeed, and your gift can make it happen.
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