Who Is Rebuilding Together Hartford, Inc?

Rebuilding Together Hartford, Inc., is a nonprofit, nonsectarian, volunteer organization dedicated to helping low-income homeowners, through home renovation and repair. Our goal is to keep people living in warmth, safety, and independence, while helping to build better neighborhoods in Hartford.

Once a year, on the last Saturday in April, skilled and unskilled volunteers alike join together in a unique one-day event reminiscent of the barn-raising tradition of America's past. Since 1995, the year of our first Rebuilding Day, the Hartford affiliate of Rebuilding Together has organized the work of more than 4,000 volunteers, who have repaired and revitalized over 300 local homes and completed several community improvement projects. The estimated market value of this work exceeds 3.0 million dollars.

Hartford's low-income population, particularly the elderly, people living with disabilities , and multigenerational families, often live in deteriorating conditions. As people age, falls, injuries and greater health problems take their toll. Society pays a price in hospitalization, elder care and, most distressing, in homelessness. Many of our neighbors in Hartford have worked all their lives and have been physically and financially able to maintain their homes in good condition. Now due to illness, the loss of a spouse, aging, and/or economic hardships, they are unable to do the repair work themselves and their homes deteriorate or become unsafe.

Homeowner referrals come from other non-profit and social service agencies, neighborhood revitalization zones, government agencies, social service organizations, churches, synagogues and private individuals. Applicants are screened for eligibility based upon need and income, with priority going to the elderly, disabled and/or families with children.

Sponsors are given the opportunity to match the skill level of their volunteers with the work identified in a particular home. Major rehabilitation projects typically require the services of skilled trades people and experienced construction professionals. However, many of the houses are in need of more basic home improvement work, such as painting, drywall repairs, weather-stripping, caulking, new lock sets, handrails, smoke detectors, and yard work, most of which is well within the ability of a "weekend warrior" working with a few other willing volunteers.

In 2000 we added a Home Maintenance Workshop series to our service offering. The workshops are intended to provide basic home maintenance training for the recipients of our services as well as other Hartford homeowners.

Our next Rebuilding Day will take place on April 25, 2009. Please contact us for more information about this truly amazing volunteer program.

How We Began

Rebuilding Together Hartford, Inc. was established here in 1994. We are just one of more than 430 affiliates across the country (view other Connecticut affiliates). The Rebuilding Together, formerly known as Christmas in April, began in 1973 in Midland, Texas when a group of volunteers decided to join together to rehabilitate a home for their elderly neighbor. She declared that the level of giving and warmth extended to her that day was "just like Christmas."