Sears awards RTS with $10,000 grant

Sears, a Rebuilding Together National Sponsor, awarded Rebuilding Together Seattle $10,000 through Sears' "Heroes at Home" program, to help three veterans in need.  RTS will be using the grant to help fund their Veterans Program which was started in September 2009 in support of Rebuilding Together National's Veteran Housing Initiative.  RTS is planning, with the help of volunteer work and funding from the Veterans Conservation Corps, a housing project for one veteran on April 3rd.  Two more veterans will receive the remaining funds on Spring Rebuilding Day 2010, which is on April 24th and fast approaching!


During the first year of the Veterans Program, RTS hopes to assist five veterans (and their families) in need through the support of Sears, the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), and the Veterans Conservation Corps.  Three veterans will receive help before May, so things are looking good for RTS to meet its goal of helping five veterans by September!

RTS is thankful for the continued support of John Lee, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) director, who became a Honorary Board member in November 2009. “I am a firm believer that while no one organization can do it all, our combined efforts have the ability to change the lives of veterans and their families,” John said. “There is no question that by fulfilling the basic need of a warm and dry home, you are able to help veterans have a sense of security they may not have had for years.”

RTS looks forward to watching the Veterans Program expand in the coming years.  Please check back soon to read about the veterans who RTS will be helping in April!

YPS and YPG social, March 4th!

Please join the Young Professional Society of RTS and Associated Builders and Contracters of Western Washington's Young Professional Group for a social and fundraiser on March 4th!  It will be a great opportunity to network with young professionals in the area, get to know the YPS and YPG members, and help raise money for a special YPS/YPG rebuilding day (tenatively scheduled for June) that will help a homeowner in need.  The homeowner will be selected by RTS and ABC approximately two months prior to the official rebuilding day.

The social is on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 from 7:00- 9:00 p.m. at F.X. McRory's and will cost $10.00.

YPS and YPG members receive complimentary RTS bracelet, raffle ticket, appetizers and acces to F.X. McRory's Happy Hour specials from 7-9 p.m.
For more information, visit the YPS facebook page or contact Christian Nossum at christian@dealsinseattle.com
View event information through ABC

So What Exactly IS this "Spring Rebuilding Day", Anyway???

Rebuilding Together began in 1973, in Midland, Texas, when volunteers decided to devote one day in April to repairing and sprucing up the dilapidated homes of low-income, disabled, and elderly neighbors in their community.

"Why, this is like Christmas in April!" they were told, and the idea spread across the country.

The program was brought to Seattle in 1990 and in 1993 Christmas in April was incorporated as an independent, non-profit organization in Seattle.  In 2000, the organization, recognizing the growing needs of low-income homeowners, expanded its mission to provide more year-round services along with a greater diversity of services.  With the expanded mission came a new name that reflected the work and partnership approach used by our program, now known as Rebuilding Together.

Today, there are over 200 affiliates in all 50 states. With the help of 2.5 million volunteers, the national affiliate network has delivered over $1 billion in market value repair work since its founding. Since 1990, Rebuilding Together Seattle has renovated over 700 homes and community centers in local neighborhoods, and looks forward to celebrating its 20th Annual Spring Rebuilding Day this April!

Rebuilding Together still recognizes their big rebuilding day in April, now called National Rebuilding Day. Every year, all Rebuilding Together affiliates dedicate the last Saturday in April to a massive one-day marathon of donated repair services and materials to homeowners and nonprofit facilities in need.

And THAT, my friends, is the story behind National Rebuilding Day or as we like to refer to it:

 Spring Rebuilding Day!!

RTS receives Home Depot Foundation Grant

The Home Depot Foundation recently approved Rebuilding Together Seattle's "Building Healthy Communities" grant application for Spring Rebuilding Day 2010!  Home Depot will be providing $2,500 to help with the costs of supplies and materials needed for Spring Rebuilding Day (where RTS will be helping approximately 30 homeowners and nonprofit facilities with the help of over 1,000 volunteers, all in one day!). 

Thank you Home Depot!

RTS Volunteer of the Month: Erin Scheopner

In an attempt to bring a little personality to our blog, we’ll begin to profile people who have made a personal commitment to Rebuilding Together Seattle.

There’s no one better to kick off our profile series than Erin Scheopner.

Just to kick things off, I asked her a few questions:

1. How did you get involved in YPS?

“I am fortunate enough to be a friend and former colleague of Margie. When she had the idea to start a group for young professionals, she contacted me. I was more than happy and eager to get involved as I had already experienced the thrill of a spring rebuild day and am a strong believer in the mission of RTS. It has turned out to be rewarding in so many ways- it is truly a treat and an honor to be connected with RTS.”

2. What do you like best about RTS.

“RTS is a necessary component of our community. The work that RTS does for residents in Seattle allows people from all walks of life who are in need to be empowered. What I like most is that RTS considers the needs of the homeowners first and foremost, and treats all clients with dignity and respect. With that, RTS pulls together a diverse group of people from the community to help with their mission, which bridges the gap between the client and volunteer, creating a true sense of solidarity rather than charity. It is a unique system that is able to sustain and grow because its roots are in the community.”

Erin currently serves as our Community Service Chair for Rebuilding Together’s Young Professionals Society. Bringing an incredible eye for detail and organization as well as generous enthusiasm and personal commitment to service. Erin has helped YPS complete community service projects above and beyond our service goals.

INTERESTED IN JOINING YPS?
If you are interested in joining YPS or have any questions, please contact:
Christian Nossum
YPS President
christian@dealsinseattle.com

YPS Members in Action!

Just a few more pictures from our Jan 30 service day in West Seattle.

Jan 30th Volunteer Group!

20 YPS members help homeowner in West Seattle

On Saturday, January 30th, 20 members of the Young Professionals Society of Rebuilding Together Seattle helped a family in need, in West Seattle. Dolores and her daughter Cindy, had been unable complete essential work at their home for years, due to physical complications. In just two hours, volunteers completed extensive yard work, interior cleaning, and clutter removal inside and outside of the home.

Following the project, volunteers celebrated at the Celtic Swell on Alki.

Thank you, volunteers!