Fall Rebuilding Day a Success
Press Release- 10/16/2010
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY- On Saturday October 16th, Rebuilding Together Dutchess joined over 40 of the Rebuilding Together affiliates nationwide, to provide free home repairs and modifications to low-income Americans , including the elderly, disabled, military veterans and families in need this fall.
Over 150 community volunteers tirelessly replaced roofs, fixed walkways, and made electrical and plumbing repairs to five local homes.
“I would definitely encourage anybody who is considering volunteering with RTDC to do it,” said volunteer Omer Gil, Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP and Young Leaders United co-chair. “You’re helping somebody that needs it and you get to learn things that you might not have had experience doing before. Today, we’re laying some cement, which I have never done before and eventually I’m going to have to do it at my own house. So you get the experience from Rebuilding Together.”
The projects were supported by local businesses including Salisbury Bank, Meyer Contracting, and TD Bank. National sponsors included Sears Holding Corporation and the Heroes at Home program created in partnership with Rebuilding Together to assist military families facing hardship. Rhinebeck Rotary and Young Leaders United also provided volunteers.
“It’s great to how much the homeowner appreciates all the work we’re doing,” said Shelly Humeston, one of Saturday’s volunteers and an employee of Salisbury Bank.
Chris Meyer, President of Meyer Contracting and a frequent sponsor and volunteer noted, “I like the opportunity to integrate with the homeowners and all the volunteers. It’s just a fun thing to do. Most of the owners are very appreciative throughout the process and it’s just nice to give back to the community.”
Local recipients of service included the disabled daughter of a World War II fighter pilot, a veteran who bought his first home after renting it for 42 years, and a wheelchair bound elderly woman.
“It was like something coming out of heaven because it was like a bunch of angels here today all doing their little thing,” said homeowner Shirley Feldman, the widow of a navy veteran who is recovering from a recent injury. “I will never be able to forget them or repay them because what they did for me today is unbelievable.”
Mrs. Feldman added, “People just don’t know that there are so many good people left in this world. There are bad ones but there are much more good ones.”
Rebuilding Together Dutchess County is a nonprofit organization working to preserve and revitalize houses and communities in Dutchess County, assuring that low-income homeowners, particularly those who are elderly, with disabilities, or have school-aged children, live in warmth, safety and independence. Our goal is to make a sustainable impact on their houses as well as their lives, in partnership with the communities we serve, and to do so without cost to those we are able to help. With the help of everyday citizen volunteers, skilled trades people, the support of local business and major corporate partners.
