RTGC x Republic Services- $125,000 For Park Improvements at Tom Hunter Park in Hidden valley5/18/2022  Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte is proud to announce that we’ve received a National Neighborhood Promise grant from the Republic Services Charitable Foundation to support our project at Tom Hunter Park in the Hidden Valley neighborhood. With guidance from community residents and the Hidden Valley Community Reinvestment Plan, Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte will revitalize Tom Hunter Park, the only developed neighborhood park in the community. The park improvements will include a new covered pavilion, walking trail restoration, pollinator garden, and new park benches and picnic tables. We are excited to receive this grant and look forward to launching this project in partnership with Republic Services and working with Hidden Valley leaders and community residents. Learn more https://bit.ly/RTGC-RepublicServices
Video produced by WSOCTV, https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/hidden-valley-park-awarded-grant-give-neighborhood-park-makeover/S7WU6EQQGJARHKVXJ4FVFOPO7E/.
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SAFE Charlotte- providing funding to community organizations to address violent crime in Charlotte.4/28/2022 Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte, She Built This City, and Digi-Bridge Partner for Long-Term Impact in Hidden Valley Neighborhood
The first recommendation in the SAFE Charlotte report is to provide funding to community organizations to address violent crime in Charlotte.
This initial award of $30,00 will provide capacity-building funding that enables RTGC, She Built This City, and Digi-Bridge to prepare a proposal for a June 10 deadline outlining how grant funds will be used to drive programming. The organizations will be conducting outreach and seeking community input throughout May to co-design the effort. At the conclusion of the capacity building period, the project will be eligible for up to $400,000 in programmatic funding. If the organizations are successful in receiving funding through the SAFE Charlotte initiative, initial plans are to focus on housing stability, workforce development, and youth services. Targeted outputs over the two years to test further could include critical home repairs for families in Hidden Valley, home maintenance workshops, a large-scale beautification project, workforce training in the trades, and STEAM programming for youth. The nonprofits currently work collaboratively and share space at Innovation Alley, a dedicated program space funded by Lowe’s Foundation. “We truly believe that the best outcomes happen when we collaborate with each other, alongside neighbors and community organizations,” said Morrison. “This funding will enable us to partner with leaders from the Hidden Valley neighborhood and offer support across a range of areas.” About Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte (RTGC)’s mission is to repair homes, revitalize communities and rebuild lives. The organization mobilizes community volunteers and contractors to provide repairs that make homes safer and healthier for neighbors in need, maintaining safe and affordable housing with unmatched cost effectiveness. RTGC’s model prioritizes critical repairs that correct 25 scientifically proven health and safety hazards that are common in older homes, including falls, fires, mold, asthma and allergies. About She Built This City She Built This City’s mission is to provide industry disruptive programming that sparks interest and builds pathways to lucrative careers in the skilled trades for youth, women and marginalized communities. The organization’s programs are designed to dismantle barriers and stigmas in traditionally male-dominated industries through innovative, sustainable practices that prepare youth for a future of jobs that have yet to be created. About Digi-Bridge Digi-Bridge aims to equip shareholders with the means to foster optimal use of technology in the learning environment, ensuring that all 21st century learners have opportunities to succeed in the digital age. The organization provides digital classroom design consultancy, develops and delivers coursework and STEAM opportunities to K-8 scholars and advocates in support of digital access and opportunity.  march home maintenance TaskCleaning and inspecting the exterior of your home routinely can increase your curb appeal and aid also identifying damage. Cracks or damage to exterior siding and brick can cause moisture and mold issues and allow pests to enter your home. Addressing exterior issues immediately is a great way to prevent the problems from worsening and requiring intensive repairs! Learn how to pressure wash your house by watching the video below ⬇️
As part of our Home Maintenance Education Series, volunteers will work alongside RTGC staff and Lakeview community residents to complete home maintenance tasks. All materials and instruction will be provided in person.
We're bringing our build-along kits to a company near you! 📣🚐🔨We have always dreamed big with our build-along opportunities, and we finally made our dream a reality! Last week, we loaded our van with hanging planter boxes and headed to @redventures! Enthusiastic team members built 20 hanging planter boxes for community members in Lakeview to decorate on April 30th, National Rebuilding Day. Thank you, Red Ventures, for being our first on-site host! We cannot wait to bring build-along opportunities to more companies in our area! Know a team that might be interested? Please send us an email at kim@rebuildingtogetherclt.org. Housing in the news!
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| Do you know someone who is handy and wants to give back to the Charlotte community? RTGC is working to strengthen and expand our repair programs and community impact, and we have four open positions we are looking to fill. If you are passionate about home repair, housing, nonprofits, or community building, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! |  |
February Home Maintenance Task
Have you ever noticed the caulk around your bathtub, sink, or shower cracking or peeling? If you answered yes, it's time to go grab some supplies and fix it!
This month we encourage you to inspect the caulk and grout in your bathrooms and kitchen to look for signs of wear. Caulk or grout that is in bad shape can cause moisture and mold issues. If you find that you need to replace any caulk, follow the instructions in this video.
This month we encourage you to inspect the caulk and grout in your bathrooms and kitchen to look for signs of wear. Caulk or grout that is in bad shape can cause moisture and mold issues. If you find that you need to replace any caulk, follow the instructions in this video.
As part of our Home Maintenance Education Series, volunteers will work alongside RTGC staff and Lakeview community residents to complete home maintenance tasks. All materials and instruction will be provided in person.
March 19th from 9am-12pm- Cleaning exterior brick and siding, installing hanging planter boxes, and neighborhood litter cleanup.
March 19th from 9am-12pm- Cleaning exterior brick and siding, installing hanging planter boxes, and neighborhood litter cleanup.
Please join us in welcoming Brad Starbuck to our Board of Directors!
| Brad recently joined RTGC's board and we are thrilled he became a [Re]Builder! Brad has experience with volunteer home repair, and he was deeply impacted by the connections he made with homeowners in Denver, CO. When Brad saw the opportunity to become a board member at RTGC through it reignited his passion for nonprofit home repair. Brad uses his 10 years of accounting and finance expertise with PwC to contribute to behind-the-scenes operations at RTGC. When Brad is not working, he loves spending time outdoors. You can find him hiking, skiing, hunting, and golfing with his wife and kids. When Brad wins the lottery, he’s moving to the Rocky Mountains to be in nature and start his ski patrol career! Do you know someone who would like to join our Board of Directors or be on a Committee? Send an email to beth@rebuildingtogetherclt.org |  |
Vote for Rebuilding Together to win $100k!
Vote for Rebuilding Together to receive $100k from Lowe's Home Improvement. This donation would help a Rebuilding Together affiliate make vital home repairs for neighbors in need. Everyone should have a safe place to live.
Housing in the News!
- Axios Charlotte- Charlotte still isn’t building enough affordable homes for the poor.
Gabriela Gonzalez moved to Charlotte from Guatemala four years ago as a single mother to have a better life for her and her children, but instead, she’s living in fear - WCNC- Charlotte woman details hardships of homelessness.
"For people living paycheck to paycheck, it’s scary not knowing that I’m going to be able to keep paying my light bill or paying my rent, or getting an eviction notice and not able to get out of that situation financially". - Axios Charlotte- Map: Where affordable housing is being built in Charlotte, and where it isn’t.
In the zip code where the city has funded the most affordable housing units in recent years, essential services like doctors’ offices and banks are few and far between. - The Nation – The Cure for Child Homelessness: Affordable Housing
Housing insecurity can damage the mental and physical health of children.
The #BehindEveryFrontDoor Results are in!
| Thank you to all those who donated to or participated in the #BehindEveryFrontDoor campaign in any capacity! Although we were just short of reaching our fundraising goal, we are blown away by the support we received and are grateful for every donation
Because of you, we are able to help our neighbors...
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Little Free Pantry Update
We installed our first little free pantry in Druid Hills! Please send us a message for the exact location if you'd like to donate or grab an item.
We will be working with UNCC students from Niner United to finish building 4 more pantries in February. Updates to come on where they will be installed!
We will be working with UNCC students from Niner United to finish building 4 more pantries in February. Updates to come on where they will be installed!
Join our team!
 | Do you know someone who is handy and wants to give back to the Charlotte community? We're searching for an AmeriCorps Construction Coordinator to join our team in June and help provide critical home repairs and project coordination for homeowners in need. Apply here, https://bit.ly/RTGC-JoinOurTeam. |
Please welcome our 2022 Executive Board!
Caylin Haldeman, Flipcause - Board Chair
Andy Dameron, The Dameron Group - Treasurer
Jackie Clare, City of Charlotte - Secretary
"2022 will be an exciting year for Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte! The board is most looking forward to working with our incredible staff team and volunteer network to build new and creative partnerships that expand our reach across the Charlotte region. We are looking forward to a great year ahead." - Caylin Haldeman, Board Chair
Andy Dameron, The Dameron Group - Treasurer
Jackie Clare, City of Charlotte - Secretary
"2022 will be an exciting year for Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte! The board is most looking forward to working with our incredible staff team and volunteer network to build new and creative partnerships that expand our reach across the Charlotte region. We are looking forward to a great year ahead." - Caylin Haldeman, Board Chair
The home maintenance Education Series is Here!
For many of us, our home is our largest investment. Regular home maintenance is crucial for a homes' longevity, health, and safety. Paying attention to exterior conditions, appliances, heating and cooling, plumbing, security, and electrical systems will help prevent mishaps, save money, and protect your home equity.
We are proud to launch our Home Maintenance Education Series. Each month we will share tips on how to complete your checklist item of the month. As the series continues, we will also invite volunteers, clients, and community members to attend community workshops with in-person instruction on home maintenance basics. At community workshops, attendees will also use their new skills to serve neighbors in need. We cannot wait to get started!
This graphic was created by Mabry Busby from Queens University of Charlotte. Thank you for your expertise and dedication to this project!
We are proud to launch our Home Maintenance Education Series. Each month we will share tips on how to complete your checklist item of the month. As the series continues, we will also invite volunteers, clients, and community members to attend community workshops with in-person instruction on home maintenance basics. At community workshops, attendees will also use their new skills to serve neighbors in need. We cannot wait to get started!
This graphic was created by Mabry Busby from Queens University of Charlotte. Thank you for your expertise and dedication to this project!
HOusing in the news!
- NPR- Home prices are up. For Black families, is selling Grandma’s house the right choice? For most American families, home equity is their largest asset. And homeowners are much wealthier than renters.
- Urban Institute- Tracking Homeownership Wealth Gaps. Homeownership is a vital tool for building wealth and economic security, but households of color are less likely to own homes than white households. Use the tool in this article to search for your city to see how housing wealth is distributed where you live.
- Dcist- Is Affordable Housing Good For Public Health? A New Study Says It Could Be. The socioeconomic benefits of affordable housing are well-documented. Research has demonstrated that increased access to affordable housing is the most cost-effective way to both reduce childhood poverty and increase economic mobility. But what about its positive effects on health?
In response to requests for repairs to help our neighbors age in place or navigate life-altering diagnoses, we're thrilled to officially launch the Safe at Home program! Safe at Home provides no-cost preventive home modifications to individuals with mobility issues and other disabilities to improve accessibility, reduce falls, increase independence, and facilitate aging in place. Safe at Home focuses on making sure all seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families and individuals who have experienced life-altering diagnoses receive home adaptations to ensure that they can age in place with dignity, safely navigate their homes, and adjust to their new normal.
These home modifications will include repairs such as…
In addition to launching the Safe and Home program, we are excited to begin a new partnership with Pfeiffer University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. This partnership will provide the families we serve with an added level of expertise when determining home modifications that we will perform under our Safe at Home program. Pfeiffer University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program offers "a 27-month curriculum that incorporates innovative collaborative learning experiences through community initiatives" and "incorporates curriculum threads for occupational justice in local, rural, and global communities" - Pfeiffer University.
These home modifications will include repairs such as…
- Installing grab bars, wheelchair ramps, fire prevention technology elevated toilets, and easy access showers.
- Addressing trip hazards in doorways (installing zero-step entrances) and around the home.
- Improving lighting and air quality through asthma and respiratory-related repairs.
- Providing accessibility modifications that address changing mobility needs and enable independence around the home.
- Ensuring all electrical outlets are able to handle the needs of medical equipment when necessary.
In addition to launching the Safe and Home program, we are excited to begin a new partnership with Pfeiffer University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program. This partnership will provide the families we serve with an added level of expertise when determining home modifications that we will perform under our Safe at Home program. Pfeiffer University's Master of Science in Occupational Therapy program offers "a 27-month curriculum that incorporates innovative collaborative learning experiences through community initiatives" and "incorporates curriculum threads for occupational justice in local, rural, and global communities" - Pfeiffer University.
Did you know Charlotte is projected to add nearly 400,000 people in the next 20 years? Over the past 50 years, Charlotte has grown from 288,000 to more than 857,425 residents. Such impressive growth requires an equally impressive plan.
The Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan is a policy document that explains the community’s vision for the future and addresses key issues like housing affordability, displacement, transportation, economic segregation, and creating complete neighborhoods across the city.
The Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan creates equity by design. It begins with a recognition of the history of redlining and urban renewal that exacerbated racial disparities, advantaging whites at the expense of communities of color. The plan acknowledges and addresses the enduring legacy of segregation in our city, and creates a roadmap to ensure that all residents of Charlotte – our current neighbors and those who have not yet arrived – have equitable access to the benefits of our city’s growth.
The Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan is a policy document that explains the community’s vision for the future and addresses key issues like housing affordability, displacement, transportation, economic segregation, and creating complete neighborhoods across the city.
The Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan creates equity by design. It begins with a recognition of the history of redlining and urban renewal that exacerbated racial disparities, advantaging whites at the expense of communities of color. The plan acknowledges and addresses the enduring legacy of segregation in our city, and creates a roadmap to ensure that all residents of Charlotte – our current neighbors and those who have not yet arrived – have equitable access to the benefits of our city’s growth.
Over the past two years, RTGC has focused our major home repair efforts in the Druid Hills neighborhood through our Building a Healthy Neighborhood program. We were able to identify 16 residents in need of critical home repairs in large part due to the support of Reverend Darryl Gaston, the former Druid Hills Neighborhood president, and his wife Melissa, the leader of the North End Community Coalition.
Before completing projects and moving on to our next target neighborhood, we wanted to host one last community event in Druid Hills. RTGC staff worked with Darryl Gaston to plan a neighborhood clean-up event that was designed to thank homeowners for letting us come into their community to repair their homes. Unfortunately, a few weeks into the planning process, we received heartbreaking news of Darryl’s passing. Faced with the discussion of whether to continue with the event or not, and with the feedback of Darryl’s wife Melissa Gaston, we soldiered forward with the event. But the event took on a whole new meaning.
Before completing projects and moving on to our next target neighborhood, we wanted to host one last community event in Druid Hills. RTGC staff worked with Darryl Gaston to plan a neighborhood clean-up event that was designed to thank homeowners for letting us come into their community to repair their homes. Unfortunately, a few weeks into the planning process, we received heartbreaking news of Darryl’s passing. Faced with the discussion of whether to continue with the event or not, and with the feedback of Darryl’s wife Melissa Gaston, we soldiered forward with the event. But the event took on a whole new meaning.
Kickoff to Rebuild is an annual Super Bowl-sanctioned event hosted by Rebuilding Together that has provided over $5 Million in home repairs over the past 26 years to homeowners living in NFL cities. Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay has taken on the incredible task of providing 30 homeowners with critical home repairs in preparation for Super Bowl LV and the Kickoff to Rebuild event.
Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte had the privilege of participating in Kickoff to Rebuild by partnering with Lowe’s Home Improvement to provide critical repairs to a local veteran living in the Druid Hills community. We are honored to share his story with you.
Donald “Red” Adams was born on April 8th, 1952. His parents, Robert and Willie Fair purchased their home brand new in 1950. Donald’s Father, Robert Adams, Sr. served in the Army and fought in World War 2. Donald and his 8 siblings were all raised in the home and attended Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools.
Following his father’s wishes, Donald served in the Air Force from 1970-1972 before receiving an honorable discharge for medical reasons. Donald returned home to support his family, as 4 of his siblings also followed their father’s wishes by enlisting in the armed forces. Donald’s older brother Robert retired from the Airforce after serving honorably for 31 years.
Donald’s father began a tradition in the 90’s of hosting a huge Fourth of July cookout for family and friends. Donald moved back to the home in 2010 to care for his aging parents. After they passed, Donald continued this Fourth of July tradition to honor their memory. Donald and his siblings continue to gather monthly at their family home for meals full of laughter and love. Donald is the father of 3 adult daughters, who also frequently visit him at home.
Donald is homebound due to a medical condition that requires him to be on oxygen. With Donald staying in the home, the Adams family remains one of a few original families in the Druid Hills community. Through the Kickoff to Rebuild project sponsored by Lowe’s Home Improvement, we provided critical bathroom repairs including a new subfloor, vinyl flooring, vanity and sink, medicine cabinet, toilet, grab bars, ceiling and drywall repair, and extensive plumbing repairs. Donald can now safely use his bathroom for many years to come.
To learn more about the Kickoff to Rebuild event Rebuilding Together's partnership with Lowe’s Home Improvement, click the button below.
Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte had the privilege of participating in Kickoff to Rebuild by partnering with Lowe’s Home Improvement to provide critical repairs to a local veteran living in the Druid Hills community. We are honored to share his story with you.
Donald “Red” Adams was born on April 8th, 1952. His parents, Robert and Willie Fair purchased their home brand new in 1950. Donald’s Father, Robert Adams, Sr. served in the Army and fought in World War 2. Donald and his 8 siblings were all raised in the home and attended Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools.
Following his father’s wishes, Donald served in the Air Force from 1970-1972 before receiving an honorable discharge for medical reasons. Donald returned home to support his family, as 4 of his siblings also followed their father’s wishes by enlisting in the armed forces. Donald’s older brother Robert retired from the Airforce after serving honorably for 31 years.
Donald’s father began a tradition in the 90’s of hosting a huge Fourth of July cookout for family and friends. Donald moved back to the home in 2010 to care for his aging parents. After they passed, Donald continued this Fourth of July tradition to honor their memory. Donald and his siblings continue to gather monthly at their family home for meals full of laughter and love. Donald is the father of 3 adult daughters, who also frequently visit him at home.
Donald is homebound due to a medical condition that requires him to be on oxygen. With Donald staying in the home, the Adams family remains one of a few original families in the Druid Hills community. Through the Kickoff to Rebuild project sponsored by Lowe’s Home Improvement, we provided critical bathroom repairs including a new subfloor, vinyl flooring, vanity and sink, medicine cabinet, toilet, grab bars, ceiling and drywall repair, and extensive plumbing repairs. Donald can now safely use his bathroom for many years to come.
To learn more about the Kickoff to Rebuild event Rebuilding Together's partnership with Lowe’s Home Improvement, click the button below.
There is a type of poverty you may have never heard of – fuel poverty. Households that cannot afford to keep the home adequately warm or cool are considered to be experiencing fuel poverty. According to the Department of Energy, heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use.
For seniors living on low, fixed incomes, often in older homes that commonly lack proper insulation or weatherization, keeping up with the cost of electricity or gas can become a serious financial strain. Many low-income families are forced to make budget trade-offs in warmer months to pay off utility debt accumulated during the winter. Having a lower income is associated with a greater risk of temperature-related death, particularly for older adults. Heat and cold can challenge the ability to maintain a stable core body temperature, which heightens a person’s vulnerability to illness.
Since 2019, we have partnered with Window Nation to provide new, energy efficient windows for four local families in dire need of window replacements. Before these families received their new windows (along with several other critical repairs), they all shared concerns with high heating and cooling bills as well as the drastic fluctuations in the temperature of their homes due to the weather conditions. The existing windows were as old as their 1940s homes and were presenting issues with security, maintenance, and the elements. “Being a disabled vet, it’s that much better because my income […] I couldn’t afford to have done it. I already feel like it’s warmer in here,” said Mr. Adams, one of the recipients of the new windows this year. Thanks to the generosity of Window Nation, these families are now living comfortably without the financial burden and associated health risks of drafty old windows.
Since 2019, we have partnered with Window Nation to provide new, energy efficient windows for four local families in dire need of window replacements. Before these families received their new windows (along with several other critical repairs), they all shared concerns with high heating and cooling bills as well as the drastic fluctuations in the temperature of their homes due to the weather conditions. The existing windows were as old as their 1940s homes and were presenting issues with security, maintenance, and the elements. “Being a disabled vet, it’s that much better because my income […] I couldn’t afford to have done it. I already feel like it’s warmer in here,” said Mr. Adams, one of the recipients of the new windows this year. Thanks to the generosity of Window Nation, these families are now living comfortably without the financial burden and associated health risks of drafty old windows.
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