Learn about the new RTS Year-Round Program!!

The Year-Round Program

Through this program, RTS makes minor home safety fixes at the homes of elderly, disabled, families with children and veterans in need.

The Year-Round Program addresses safety needs at homes including the installation of grab bars, handrails, smoke detectors, and lightbulbs along with appliance installation, yard work, clutter removal and small plumbing and electrical projects.

If you know of anyone in your neighborhood that needs safety upgrades and home repairs- send them our way! You can find our homeowner application at rtseattle.org or have them call our office at 206-682-1231.

This new program was made possible by a grant from the Adobe Foundation

If you are interested in being a Year-Round Program Team Member and helping homeowners with small fixes at their homes, please contact Sarah Ihrie at 206-682-1231.

NFL PLAYER CARE FOUNDATION SUPPORTS REBUILDING TOGETHER'S FIFTY FOR FIVE

NEW YORK - The NFL PLAYER CARE FOUNDATION (PCF), an independent organization dedicated to helping retired football players further improve their quality of life, is supporting the Rebuilding Together Fifty for Five initiative and will re-build a home in the Gentilly neighborhood. Former NFL players, including Saints legends BOBBY HEBERT and RICKEY JACKSON, will help rebuild a house August 27-28.

Through the cooperative efforts of the NFL, NFL Alumni Association, NFL Players Association, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, PCF provides programs and assistance for all aspects of life including, medical, emotional, financial, social, and community.

"The NFL has strong ties to New Orleans and we are proud to participate in Fifty for Five to help rebuild a community where so many of our Alumni live," said George Martin, President and Executive Director of the NFL Alumni Association. "The mission of the PCF and the NFL Alumni Association - helping those in need -- dovetails with Rebuilding Together's initiative and we see our participation as a natural fit to help the Gentilly community."

Hall of Fame players and NFL Alumni participating in the rebuilding team, include:
• Chuck Commiskey - 4 seasons, 1981 and 1986-1988, Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints
• Ron George - NFL Alumni Association Managing Director and Former Player - 8 seasons, 1993-2000, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs
• Bill Gramatica - 3 seasons, 2001-2003, Arizona Cardinals
• Martin Gramatica - 9 seasons, 1999-2004 and 2006-2008, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints
• Bobby Hebert - 11seasons, 1985-1988 and 1990-1996, New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons
• Tyrone Hughes - 6 seasons, 1993-1998, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys
• Rickey Jackson - Recently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame; 15 seasons, 1981-1995, New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers
• Tyrone Legette - 7 seasons, 1992-1998, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers
• Kerry Parker - 2 seasons, 1984 and 1987, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills
• Mike McKenzie - 11 seasons, 1999-2009, Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints
• Bernard Robertson - 2 seasons, 2001-2002, Chicago Bears
• Clarence Verdin - 9 seasons, 1986-1994, Washington Redskins, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons

Rebuilding Together, the nation's leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership, today announces its week-long event, Fifty for Five, taking place Aug. 24 - 28 in New Orleans. Rebuilding Together's Fifty for Five is a large-scale example of the organization's ongoing commitment to the renewal of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The event also seeks to spark national attention for the needs of the region's low-income homeowners.
Fifty for Five occurs the week of the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and marks a significant step forward to the investment Rebuilding Together has already made in the region. At the conclusion of the Fifty for Five week, Rebuilding Together will have rebuilt more than 800 homes in the region since Hurricanes Rita and Katrina struck five years earlier.

Fifty for Five has recruited affiliates from around the Rebuilding Together national network, local volunteers, major corporate sponsors, including presenting sponsor Sears Holdings, celebrities, and community leaders to assist in the renovation of 50 homes in the Gentilly neighborhood. More than 1,000 volunteers will be on site throughout the week for the rebuild.

About the NFL Player Care Foundation: The NFL PCF is an independent 501 (c) (3) charity that has representation from many sectors of the NFL, including the NFL Alumni Association, NFL Players Association, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Through charitable grants that support research and offer relief to disadvantaged and distressed retired players, the PCF has enacted a number of programs to improve the quality of life for former players including: NFL Joint Replacement Program, which provides medical and financial resources to retired players who are uninsured or lack the financing to have joint replacement surgery; cardiovascular and prostate screenings at no cost to educate, identify and inform former players of potential health risks. The Foundation has in a short time distributed over $3.5 million dollars in research and grants.

Media Contact: - To schedule an interview with any NFL Alumni/PCF:
Kelly Grunther - grunther1@aol.com - 917-841-2657

About Rebuilding Together: Rebuilding Together is the nation's leading nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing extensive rehabilitation and modification services to those in need at no cost to those served. With the help of everyday citizen volunteers, skilled trades people, the support of local business and major corporate partners, Rebuilding Together affiliates in America's largest cities and smallest towns make life considerably better for thousands of low-income homeowners and the communities in which they live by completing 10,000 projects per year. Rebuilding Together has programs dedicated to, energy efficiency, veteran's housing, aging in place, and gulf coast reconstruction.

For more information, visit www.RebuildingTogether.org. You can also follow Rebuilding Together on Twitter @rebldgtogthr or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/RebuildingTogether. For additional media information, visit http://t.co/mZKvvy8

Media Contacts:
Becky Carter, BCarter@rebuildingtogether.org or (202) 518-3500
Katie Feltz, katie.feltz@mslworldwide.comor (312) 217-0373

YPS Rebuilding Day Energizer: Collete Ketola

On Saturday, August 14th, the RTS Young Professionals Society completed their first rebuilding day. What a success it was!! The homeowner was so sweet and appreciative and the volunteers had a great time! Project Leader, John Hanks from Swinerton Builders (whose foundation's grant award made the rebuild day possible), selected Collete as the RTS Energizer!

"At YPS Rebuild Day, Collete demonstrated her amazing work ethic and commitment to quality work," John said. "She worked hard all day and stayed until the very end, so she could put the finishing touches on the new paint and help with clean-up."

Thank you, Collete, for your hard work and committed spirit!

"I am not even sure what to say! John deserves a very big thanks for all the work he did on Saturday and for all the planning before and for finishing up on Sunday," Collete said. "I think it was a great day- the homeowner and her son were such great people and so kind and gracious. I look forward to future opportunities with YPS to serve the Seattle area."

Rebuilding Together's Fifty for Five Opens in New Orleans

Another 50 Homes Rebuilt During Week-Long Event by 1,000 Volunteers in Ongoing Long-Term Commitment to New Orleans

WASHINGTON, DC - Rebuilding Together, the nation's leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership, today announces its week-long event, Fifty for Five, taking place Aug. 24 - 28 in New Orleans. Rebuilding Together's Fifty for Five is a large-scale example of the organization's ongoing commitment to the renewal of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The event also seeks to spark national attention for the needs of the region's low-income homeowners.
Fifty for Five occurs the week of the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and marks a significant step forward to the investment Rebuilding Together has already made in the region. At the conclusion of the Fifty for Five week, Rebuilding Together will have rebuilt more than 800 homes in the region since Hurricanes Rita and Katrina struck five years earlier.

Fifty for Five has recruited affiliates from around the Rebuilding Together national network, local volunteers, major corporate sponsors, including presenting sponsor Sears Holdings, celebrities, and community leaders to assist in the renovation of 50 homes in the Gentilly neighborhood. More than 1,000 volunteers will be on site throughout the week for the rebuild.
"Rebuilding Together has invested countless hours of hands on work and significant funding to the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast. Our initial pledge of 1000 homes restored is well within sight and we intend to be there for New Orleans and the Gulf as long as there is a need," said President and CEO of Rebuilding Together, Gary A. Officer. "Together with our friends at Sears and other dedicated corporate good citizens who have made Fifty for Five possible, we will restore more lives and be part of the rejuvenation of a historical and culturally rich city."

Key Fifty for Five events include:
Aug. 24 - 28 - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Volunteers rebuilding homes throughout the week in the Gentilly community
Aug. 28: Noon - Ribbon Cutting/Media Conference at Hope Park, New Orleans. Community Celebration immediately following.
2:00PM - 8:00PM - Block Party at Lafayette Square, New Orleans

The community celebration and ribbon cutting in Gentilly will be followed with a public block party, Saturday, Aug. 28 at Lafayette Square, featuring well known bands including Germaine Bazzle, Treme Brass Band, and The World Classic Rockers along with vendors, community leaders and other world-class talent.

Media Check-In and additional information can be found on-site at: 2726 Mexico Street, Gentilly, LA 70122. For complete information about Rebuilding Together's Fifty for Five, including comments and stories from our service recipients and a list of supporters, please visit www.fiftyforfive.org.

About Rebuilding Together:
Rebuilding Together is the nation's leading nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing extensive rehabilitation and modification services to those in need at no cost to those served. With the help of everyday citizen volunteers, skilled trades people, the support of local business and major corporate partners, Rebuilding Together affiliates in America's largest cities and smallest towns make life considerably better for thousands of low-income homeowners and the communities in which they live by completing 10,000 projects per year. Rebuilding Together has programs dedicated to, energy efficiency, veteran's housing, aging in place, and gulf coast reconstruction.

For more information, visit www.RebuildingTogether.org. You can also follow Rebuilding Together on Twitter @rebldgtogthr or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/RebuildingTogether. For additional media information, visit http://t.co/mZKvvy8

Media Contacts: Becky Carter, BCarter@rebuildingtogether.org or (202) 518-3500
Katie Feltz, katie.feltz@mslworldwide.com or (312) 217-0373

About Rebuilding Together New Orleans:
Rebuilding Together New Orleans, a local affiliate of Rebuilding Together, inc. has restored and revitalized more than 1,200 homes over the past 22 years in the New Orleans area. Utilizing volunteer labor, Rebuilding Together New Orleans allows low-income families in communities across the city to live in comfort, safety, and dignity. Rebuilding Together New Orleans is a program of the Preservation Resource Center, an organization devoted to promoting the preservation, restoration, and revitalization of New Orleans' historic architecture and neighborhoods. For more information, visit www.RTNO.org

Watch Morgan Freeman's PSA for Rebuilding Together!

A Celebration of Community and Commitment August 24-29, 2010

Rebuilding Together will celebrate the unwavering spirit of the Gulf Coast and New Orleans as another fifty homes are rehabilitated, and Rebuilding Together comes closer to the pledge of 1,000 homes completed in the Gulf. Community block parties, local music and entertainment, a thousand volunteers, and celebrities will be present at project sites all week; creating one of the biggest impact projects New Orleans has experienced since the first hurricane in 2005.

Participate, watch and contribute as Rebuilding Together rebuilds and reclaims New Orleans as the city it once was.

Watch Morgan Freeman's PSA for Fifty for Five!

YPS Rebuilding Day 8-14-10

The RTS Young Professionals Society completed their first Rebuilding Day on Saturday, August 14th. 30 hard-working YPS members volunteered their Saturday and made a big difference at Prong's home. BIG thanks to John Hanks, Project Leader, for putting the whole day together! Another thank you to the YPS executive team for the detail planning, and of course, a huge thank you goes out to all the YPS members that showed up and worked hard all day in the sweltering heat!

photo recap:

Joe, doing some plumbing work

Daniel and Project Leader, John

Taping up the windows for new paint

Scraping, scraping, and more scraping!

Preparing for some gutter work

Kyle and Kyle, cleaning out the gutters

Cameron, YPS Recruitment Chair, and Alex, YPS President,

cleaning and painting the kitchen cupboards

Homeowner, Prong- she was so happy for all our help!!

Ray, YPS Vice President

Joel and Sarah, taking off the hardware on the kitchen cupboards-

preparing for a new paint job!

Gayle's after lunch safety talk

Group Photo!

For a complete album view go here

GREAT WORK YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SOCIETY!!!

Back To School!!

Rebuilding Together Seattle is recruiting for new members of the Youth Board for this coming school year!  Any high school student in the Seattle area age 14 and up is welcome to join the RTS Youth Board!  Interested students can send their name, contact information and name of their high school to sihrie@rtseattle.org. 

Remembering Robert Lehan

In July, Rebuilding Together Seattle received a call from Fredda Lehan, the wife of Robert (Bob) Lehan, a veteran client in Kirkland served on Spring Rebuilding Day 2010 (April 24, 2010). Fredda informed RTS that Bob had passed away after many battles with his health.

Fredda's family asked that remembrances go to Rebuilding Together Seattle in Bob's honor. RTS thanks the Lehan family for their continued support of our organization, and all donors who have made contributions in memory of Bob and our Veterans Program.

RTS also thanks volunteer veterans Mike Santopolo, Doug Gray, Mike Gregoire, Mike Flood, Jason Cummings, Jeremy Grisham, and the volunteers from the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs for making Bob's home a warmer and safer place to be. RTS thanks our Veterans Program Sponsor, SEARS, for providing project funding for the Lehan Family and other veterans in need. To learn about the Veterans Rebuilding Day at Bob's home, please read our feature story.

Please click here to read Robert Lehan's obituary. To make a donation to RTS in Bob's honor, please visit our donation site or mail a check with the memo of "Robert Lehan" to:

Rebuilding Together Seattle
811 Harrison St

Seattle, WA 98109