Renewal by Andersen Helps Veteran in Need

Rebuilding Together Seattle sends a big thanks to our new sponsor, Renewal By Andersen, for their support of our programs!

On November 8, 35 volunteers from Renewal By Andersen’s Seattle office helped Elvino Naccarato of West Seattle. The volunteers demolished and rebuilt the front landing and stairs, installed two new entry doors, replaced a fence, and did other household repairs so that Elvino can live in warmth, safety, and independence.


Volunteers from Renewal by Andersen preparing to build stairs.

More details of the service performed by Renewal By Andersen can be found in the West Seattle Blog and the West Seattle Herald.
 

Elvino and his wife, Ruth, have lived in their home for over 60 years. Elvino served in the US Army during World War II. Thank you, Elvino, for your service to our country. We wish all the best to you and Ruth!

Elvino, left, with a volunteer from Renewal by Andersen.

Thanks again to Renewal By Anderson for donating your time and talents to make a difference in Elvino and Ruth’s lives as we celebrate Veterans Day! Your support of Rebuilding Together Seattle allows us to come closer in achieving our vision of a safe and healthy home for every person.

Renewal by Andersen Volunteers.

Stratos to rebuild home for family living in Rainier Valley

On Saturday, roughly 30 volunteers from Stratos Product Development will restore the De Jesus family's home in Rainier Valley. This will be the second year that Stratos will serve as one of our top sponsors on Spring Rebuilding Day, and we are so excited to have them back for another year. Stratos is planning to complete a very transformational project for the De Jesus Family, so be sure to check back for photos after the project.

Ernesto and his wife, Perpetua, live with their 2 kids at their home in the Hillman City neighborhood of Rainier Valley. Ernesto is a Polio survivor, and becuase of this has quite a few health problems including limited use of his limbs. He is confined to a wheel chair but the family has been without a ramp in their home, so some distant family members have to come carry him in  and out of the house when he needs to go to doctor's appointments. Perpetua is a nurse but has been unable to work after tearing her ACL trying to catch a falling patient. Their daughter has special needs and their son is just finishing high school.

The De Jesus Family

Volunteers will be installing a ramp that goes from the front porch to the driveway (Ernesto is just thrilled about this), repairing broken boards on the front porch, putting in new kitchen counters, installing a new gas range and refrigerator, repairing the damaged ceiling after a bad roof leak, completing yard work, and removing graffiti from the front fence.

Ernestor and his family are so happy to have the work done, they have said they feel truly blessed to be a part of Spring Rebuilding Day this year. Stratos volunteers will also be joined by volunteers from Exxel Pacific General Contractors, who will be lending their construction expertise. Thank you to both groups for your support of the De Jesus family!

Wells Fargo to repair home for disabled adults in North Seattle

We are so excited to have Wells Fargo join us as a top sponsor on Spring Rebuilding Day for another year! Wells Fargo has been involved with Rebuilding Together Seattle for more than 15 years and we are so grateful  for their continued support. Last year, they restored the home of Kim, a single mom in Columbia City. We were all so touched by Kim's story and the transformation of her home that took place last year that we have featured photos from her project year round this year. Thanks, Wells Fargo, for making such a difference for Kim and her family.

This Saturday, 30 local Wells Fargo volunteers will repair the home of several disabled adults in the Meadowbrook neighborhood of North Seattle. The home is owned and operated by Parkview Services, a nonprofit organization that provides affordable, stable, and accessible housing for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Parkview Services operates 52 houses around the Seattle area and many of the residents they serve have lived in their home for the majority of their lives.

Volunteers will be repairing and making updates in the kitchen, installing handrails throughout the home, spreading gravel in the driveway, completing yard work and installing a walkway in the yard to make it more accessible.

Stay tuned for photos from this project once it is completed. Thank you, Wells Fargo, for helping an amazing nonprofit like Parkview Services!

Booz Allen Hamilton to restore home of a female veteran in White Center

On Saturday, roughly 60 volunteers from Booz Allen Hamilton will be rebuild Marcie's home in White Center. Booz Allen Hamilton has been a supporter of Rebuilding Together Seattle for more than 10 years, and we are so please to have their continued support this Spring Rebuilding Day!

Booz Allen Volunteers on Spring Rebuilding Day 2013

Marcie, 65, is a Navy Veteran who lives alone in her West Seattle area home. She suffers from a type of seizure disorder and herniated discs in her back that prevent her from keeping up with her aging home, built in 1948. 

Volunteers will be power washing the house and driveway, securing the perimeter fence, demoing and rebuilding the back deck, painting the interior, replacing carpeting in the living areas, installing new appliances, repairing broken windows, and completing lots of yard work for Marcie. Booz Allen volunteers will also be joined by employees of the Gates Foundation for the project on Saturday, to introduce them to the work of Rebuilding Together Seattle!

We will be posting many photos from this project after the day, so stay tuned!

Perkins Coie to rebuild home of family in Rainier Valley

For more than 10 years, Perkins Coie has been one of our top sponsors and we are more than thrilled to have them back for another Spring Rebuilding Day! This Saturday, nearly 50 local volunteers from the international law firm will trade suits for work clothes to help the Conde family with critical home repairs in the Brighton neighborhood of Rainier Valley.

Perkins Coie Volunteers - Spring Rebuilding Day 2013

The Conde Family have been living in their Brighton home for the past 24 years. Pacifico, 74, and his wife Francisca are raising their 19 year old son and adopted 9 year old grandson. A few years ago,  Pacifico suffered a back injury that has hindered him from working and completing critical home repairs for his family.

Volunteers will be painting the whole exterior of the home, painting the back deck and building a new walkway from the deck, cleaning and fixing the gutters, cleaning out the family's shed, painting some of the interior rooms, and completing a lot of yard work.

We are excited to post "after" features once the project is completed. The Condes will hardly be able to recognize their home after April 26th! Thank you Perkins Coie for your great support and big hearts helping the Condes get a fresh start on their family home. 

Volunteers at the Perkins Coie site last year

Volunteers at the Perkins Coie site last year

Greenpoint Technologies to repair home of veteran family in Rainier Valley

On Saturday, April 26, more than 80 volunteers will restore the home of Ruth in Rainier Valley. Ruth's husband Vernon, an Air Force Veteran, passed away recently and since then she has had a hard time keeping up with their home. Ruth has been battling diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma for quite some time which makes it hard for her to do any of the work on her own. She and Vernon used to love riding motorcycles together, listening to jazz and blues in Seattle, spending time with their kids, and making pear-wine with fruit from the tree in their yard.

This project will be completed by volunteers from Greenpoint Technologies, a Kirkland-based company that provides luxury interiors for private jets. Greenpoint Technologies has served as one of our top sponsors for the past 5 years and we are so happy to have them back on board once again!

Greenpoint Volunteers - Spring Rebuilding Day 2014

Volunteers will be installing all new kitchen appliances, replacing broken windows, clearing clutter from her basement and first floor, repairing drywall around the front and back entrance ways, fixing rotting molding and trim, installing new light fixtures, and placing grab bars in her bathroom. Ruth has been beyond excited about the upcoming project. During some recent prep work days, Ruth said she couldn't believe the transformation that had already taken place. She counts her self as blessed to be chosen to be a part of Spring Rebuilding Day this year.

There will be many more photos from this project featured in the blog and on our Facebook page, so keep an eye out for pictures of this amazing transformation for both Ruth and her home!

24th Annual Spring Rebuilding Day is almost here!

The 24th Annual Spring Rebuilding Day with Rebuilding Together Seattle is just around the corner! On Saturday, April 26, nearly 1000 volunteers will repair 25 homes around Seattle from Lynwood to Burien. More than 25 local companies have pledged their support for this annual event by providing funding and volunteers to help low income homeowners in need of critical home repair!

Spring Rebuilding Day, also known as National Rebuilding Day, is part of Rebuilding Together’s national effort to preserve affordable housing and revitalize neighborhoods through renovation services.  Approximately 170 Rebuilding Together affiliates nationwide will complete 3,000 projects on April 26^th with the help of 50,000 volunteers.

A big thank you to all of our sponsors who are making Spring Rebuilding Day possible. Because of you, we are able to keep this annual tradition of giving back to our community alive and well in Seattle!

Thank you to our Spring Rebuilding Day 2014 Sponsors

American Society for Civil Engineers - Seattle Chapter

Assumption Catholic Parish

The Brueske Team

Center for Spiritual Living

The Electric League

Emmanuel Episcopal Church

Gonzaga University Alumni

Honeywell

Howard S. Wright

Intellectual Ventures

Junior League of Seattle

KPFF Consulting Engineers

McKinstry

O'Dea High School

PEMCO Insurance

Seattle City Light

Swinerton Builders

Venture Construction

Wright Runstad & Company

Young Professionals Society of Rebuilding Together Seattle

Thank you to everyone that makes Spring Rebuilding Day possible! Stay tuned for photos from this year's projects on the blog and on our Facebook page.

RTS to launch first ever Safe at Home Impact day on November 23rd

Over 100 volunteers to repair 10 homes in one day

Local charity celebrates 1000^th house restoration project since 1989

Seattle, WA – On Saturday, November 23rd, from 8 AM to 4 PM, Rebuilding Together Seattle (www.rtseattle.org) will celebrate its inaugural Safe at Home Impact Day with over 100 volunteers from 65 local businesses restoring 10 homes in one day at no cost to the individuals served.  With a vision of a safe and healthy home for every person, Rebuilding Together Seattle provides free home repairs for low income homeowners in the greater Seattle community.

Through the leadership of local property management firm, Madrona Ridge, and 65 other supporting businesses, Rebuilding Together Seattle will launch its first ever Safe at Home Impact Day to repair the homes of 10 families in one day.  On November 23^rd, Rebuilding Together will also celebrate its 1,000^th house restoration project since the organization’s founding in 1989.  Volunteers will perform a range of repairs to benefit the families served, including carpentry, electric, plumbing, painting, and weatherization improvements.  Featured projects are as follows:

In the Holly Park area of South Seattle, volunteers will provide a kitchen overhaul for 86 year old mother and grandmother, Bernsteen Offord.  After suffering a recent stroke, Bernsteen’s family has been helping care for her.  

In West Seattle, volunteers will support Dolores McGee (73) and her daughter, Debbie (48).  Dolores recently had a brain tumor removed and is the primary caretaker Debbie, who is paralyzed from the waist down after an accident over 20 years ago.  Volunteers will paint the home, repair windows, and improve the safety of the McGee’s wheelchair ramp.  S

In Ballard, volunteers will assist 93 year old Donald Wakefield in Ballard.  His daughter, Donna, lives and cares for Mr. Wakefield so he can remain in his home of over 60 years. Volunteers will paint the house, repair windows, and add numerous safety improvements to the home. 

Madrona Ridge Residential, the event coordinator, has recruited all volunteers, materials, and professional contractor services for the 10 homes. Joining Madrona Ridge are over 65 participating local businesses, including top Sponsor, ECC Painting, along with American Floors & Blinds, Bumgardner, G5, ICS, and Kurkov Construction.

For more information on the November 23^rd Safe at Home Impact Day (including additional sites and addresses) please call Rebuilding Together Seattle Executive Director, Margie Thirlby, at (c) 206.992.5512.  This event will offer exceptional visuals and homeowner interviews; all media are encouraged to attend. 

 

ABOUT REBUILDING TOGETHER SEATTLE

Rebuilding Together Seattle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to bring volunteers and communities together to help low income homeowners live in warmth, safety and independence.  Rebuilding Together Seattle was established in 1989 and is part of the national Rebuilding Together organization with approximately 185 affiliates nationwide.  To learn more about Rebuilding Together Seattle, please visit www.rtseattle.org or call (206) 682-1231.

ABOUT MADRONA RIDGE

Madrona Ridge Residential is a property management firm providing property, construction and compliance management services in five states.  Madrona Ridge Residential is an affiliate of Security Properties Inc.  Security Properties has a 40-year history of providing both quality housing to residents, as well as excellent financial benefits to investors. To learn more, visit: www.madronaridgellc.com or call (206) 787-8480.

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Beer and Wine Tasting 2013 Sponsors!

 

Rebuilding Together Seattle extends a BIG thanks to our 4th Annual Beer and Wine Tasting Event Sponsors for making our event possible:

Thank you to Infiniti of Kirkland, who will serve as our Presenting Sponsor for a fourth consecutive year!

Thank you to HomeStreet Bank, our first Bronze Sponsor, who will join our event for their first year!

Thank you to Goodman Real Estate, our second Bronze Sponsor, who will join our event for their first year!

Thank you to Nintendo, who will serve as a Table Sponsor during their fourth year of participation!

To learn more about how you or your company can sponsor the Beer and Wine Tasting, please email mthirlby@rtseattle.org.

Turner Construction Volunteers Rebuild Home for Couple in Rainier Beach

 

This last Saturday, 25 volunteers from Turner Construction in Seattle went to work rebuilding a family's home in Rainier Beach. The happy homeowners, Linda and Ishmail, received new insulation, new air ducting, new interior doors, new flooring and baseboards, and new siding and soffits where the old had rotted away. Volunteers also helped with pruning and yard work, and were able to paint the entire exterior of the home! After years of dealing with a cold, drafty house that was marred by rodent damage, Linda and Ishmail were so grateful to have a warm and safe home again.

 

Linda and Ishmail's home had severe rodent damage

Linda, standing in her home as volunteers repair
her flooring and install new baseboards!

 

 

 Linda and Ishmail see these repairs as a fresh start after what has been a rough few years. Since 2009, Linda has struggled with a series of critical health problems including a life-threatening blood disease, cancer and diabetes. Costly treatments meant the couple had little left in the budget for any home renovations or repairs. Linda was overwhelmed to be receiving help, especially after years of giving back to the community herself. She has spent much of her time as a volunteer for Seattle youth, encouraging kids to pursue their dreams in the arts (and beyond), and even offering up her home as a safe place to stay for her son's friends. Linda is also an accomplished poet and musician, who has found new inspiration to create after a period of silence.

 

Linda and Ishmail's home before the repairs

Linda, with project leaders Justin (left) and Abdi (right),
 standing proudly in front of her "new" home

 

We want to thank Turner Construction, Project Leaders Justin and Abdi, and the 25 volunteers that made Linda and Ishmail's house a place they are happy to call home again!

 

RTS Staff members Tim (left) and Mike (right), with Linda and Project Leader Abdi



RTS Thanks Ryan, Swanson and Cleveland for serving as our first Safe at Home Program Sponsor

In August 2010, Rebuilding Together Seattle launched its year-round maintenance program, Safe at Home, in order to better serve clients with critical home repair needs.  Upon the completion of the 2012-2013 fiscal year (June 30), Safe at Home volunteers were able to help 51 families who qualified for the program - 25 more families compared to the previous year and 52% of Rebuilding Together Seattle's total projects for the year.  

The significant growth of the Safe at Home Program was due to multiple factors, including new funding support.  In July 2012, Rebuilding Together Seattle announced our first ever Safe at Home Sponsor, Ryan, Swanson and Cleveland PLLC.  "It was one of our most exciting memories of the year," said Margie Thirlby, RTS Executive Director.  "Ryan Swanson was our organization's first corporate sponsor, and we couldn't have been happier to bring them on as our first official partner of such an important program.  They've witnessed our growth for over 20 years, and truly believe in our ability to serve more homeowners in our community.  This year we were able to help 25 more families through Safe at Home - in short, we are eternally grateful for Ryan Swanson's support!"

Let's hear from Jason Miller (Director of Marketing and Business Development) at Ryan Swanson!

Why does Ryan Swanson support the mission of Rebuilding Together Seattle?

Service to others and more broadly, to the community is of great importance to both RTS and Ryan Swanson.  Our Credo states how we “recognize our obligations to our families and to the community in which we live and work” and support participation in civic activities by our employees.  We see RTS as an organization that understands the value of this statement and these actions through the care that you provide every day to help homeowners live in warmth, safety and independence. 

Tell us a bit about  Ryan Swanson and your commitment to the community.  What types of organizations do you support, and how does Rebuilding Together Seattle serve as a valuable partner?

Giving back to our community where we live and work is an integral part of Ryan Swanson’s culture. The support of civic activities and the encouragement of the firm’s employees to participate in them is not only a stated tenet of the Firm Credo, it is a part of who we are. We are as dedicated to making our community a better place as we are to providing quality legal services.

Striving to be an active corporate citizen through the participation and support of firm management, attorneys and staff is what makes Ryan Swanson a “human” firm.  Teaming with RTS and others in the community where we live and work exemplifies our corporate presence as a caring and giving company.  This is a benefit we value greatly.

Our firm’s focus on supporting organizations and people in our local community who are determined to make a difference makes RTS a great partner within our charitable activities.  Nearly all of our charitable giving is the result of personal involvement, be it from an organization which the referring employee supports financially or with his or her time.  RTS has, for years, always been close to the heart of our employees and an organization that is enjoyable, fulfilling and easy to partner with.

Why did Ryan Swanson choose to participate as (the first) Safe at Home Program Sponsor?

Ryan Swanson was the first corporate sponsor for Rebuilding Together Seattle (Christmas in April) and has seen the positive impact of our continuing sponsorship for both the community and our organization.  It is a privilege and natural course for us to be the first Safe at Home Program Sponsor as Rebuilding Together Seattle changes with the times and supports those in need.  

What is Ryan Swanson’s hope for Rebuilding Together Seattle in years to come?

Ryan Swanson hopes are that Rebuilding Together Seattle continues to focus on the needs of the community one family at a time.  It is that focus which has the greatest impact for those families and the reward of knowing that we can make a difference in our own community.  

Thank you, Ryan Swanson, for another fantastic year of partnership!

To learn about how you or your company can become a Safe at Home Sponsor, please contact Margie Thirlby at mthirlby@rtseattle.org.