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What We Do
"They painted every stroke as if they were painting their own home."
Homeowner Anita Dussinger
OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The mission of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia is to bring volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of homeowners in need.
Recently, the RTP Board adopted the vision put out by the Rebuilding Together National Office – A Safe and Healthy Home for Every Person as well as core values, which are shared across the affiliate network.
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THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF OUR PROJECTS
We help low-income homeowners with priority placed on those who are:
- Older adults
- People living with disabilities
- Multi-generational families
- Veterans of the armed forces
By improving the physical spaces of community-based organizations, we also serve nonprofits that support the above constituencies. Non-profits can find more information and an application here.
The U.S. census indicates that there are more than 60,000 low-income homeowners in Philadelphia. Many live in homes that were built more than 70 years ago. Simple repair problems (left unattended due to lack of resources) escalate in to larger problems that expose homeowners and their families to health and safety risks. The need is great, but we can make a difference! Rebuilding Days – volunteer work days – are the way that RTP makes a difference. There are three integrated areas of focus:
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Critical Repairs
1,000 to 1,500 skilled and general volunteers work alongside homeowners and their families to make essential home repairs, focusing on “warm, safe and dry” issues. In addition to the intense series of weekends in March and April, volunteers complete a limited number of Rebuilding Days in the fall and winter. Volunteers restore value to homes, elevating the quality of life of individuals and families.
Energy Efficiency
Weatherization always has been integral to RTP's home repair projects. Given strides in the development of energy efficient products as well as rising energy costs, however, RTP volunteers are taking even more steps to ensure that low-income homeowners have what they need to be as energy efficient as possible. This includes activities ranging from providing a houseful of CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) to every homeowner to ensuring that every homeowner has a functioning heater and a sound roof. The results meet not only RTP's warm-safe-dry goals, but also help homeowners save on monthly utility bills, thereby freeing up their limited disposable income for other basic needs. Read more about how RTP is "Going Green" with the help of volunteer Michael Kane.
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Safe at Home Projects
Home modifications for older adults and people with disabilities are priorities for RTP volunteers. We are particularly grateful to the Occupational Therapists who have given their time and expertise to help assess and improve the safety of homeowners' living environment. By adapting living spaces, volunteers help homeowners “age in place” and/or remain as mobile and independent as possible. To make homes safer and more accessible, volunteers focus on installing grab bars, railings, levered doorknobs, and wheelchair ramps. Worn stairs and floors are repaired. Volunteers install security doors and windows where needed and provide smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to help prevent fires. Subtle hazards such as a misplaced extension cord or throw rug are identified and eliminated, reducing the chance of falls – the leading cause of injury in the home.
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Healthy Homes Projects
RTP volunteers address indoor environmental health issues such as lead paint, radon, asthma triggers and household hazards. Many RTP homeowners desperately need exhaust fans, proper ventilation, mold elimination, and pest management. In addition RTP volunteers help homeowners understand the implications of the types of repairs made, how to use a new thermostat, and the health and safety issues addressed through the repairs. When a team has completed its project it does so with the confidence that it has left the homeowner or family in the best position to live healthy going forward.
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RTP'S IMPACT
RTP's Geographic Focus
Initially, RTP focused on West Philadelphia, but quickly expanded operations to serve homeowners in North Philadelphia. Throughout its 22-year existence RTP volunteers have reached into Germantown; South Philadelphia; the Frankford section of the City; Coatesville in Chester County; Chester in Delaware County; and Norristown, Glenside, and Roslyn in Montgomery County.
RTP's Cumulative Statistics
RTP volunteers have achieved the following milestones through June 2010:
- 946 homeowners served
- 44 community agencies served
- 24 vacant lots and parks restored
- 26,063 volunteers enlisted
- 383,920 volunteer hours contributed
- $21,102,000 worth of repairs provided
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