Hundreds of Volunteers Turn out for Rebuilding Together Baltimore Events

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They came, saw and hundreds of volunteers for a Rebuilding Together Baltimore and Lowe’s conquered the mission of helping to build a healthy neighborhood in the Govans community of Baltimore City.

It all began with a Community Resource Fair for the public on Saturday, September 9, 2017, and after that on Monday, September 11 and Tuesday, September 12, volunteers participated in revitalization efforts that included home renovations for low-income seniors, families with children and individuals with disabilities.

State Delegate Mary Washington, 43rd District, and Baltimore City Councilman Bill Henry, 4th District.

Courtesy Photo

State Delegate Mary Washington, 43rd District, and Baltimore City Councilman Bill Henry, 4th District.

“Our beautification work in community spaces leaves a visual impact and helps engage the neighborhood,” said Candace Handy, program manager for Rebuilding Together Baltimore (RTB).

“We hope to continue to expand our services to homeowners in need throughout the Baltimore area, and we encourage you to get involved to help us a provide a safe and healthy home for everyone in Baltimore.”

The well-attended effort, which saw the national nonprofit, Rebuilding Together, join its affiliate, RTB, to lead its seventh annual Building a Healthy Neighborhood community revitalization project, had been expected to provide as much as $885,000 in what officials called impact value back to the community.

L-R: Tracy Horne Wells Fargo; Monica Mitchell V.P. Government&Community Relations, Wells Fargo; and Lyndsae Peele, Wells Fargo

Courtesy Photo

L-R: Tracy Horne Wells Fargo; Monica Mitchell V.P. Government&Community Relations, Wells Fargo; and Lyndsae Peele, Wells Fargo

About 500 community and corporate partner volunteers joined together to provide critical repairs to 12 homes and to revitalize Willow Avenue Park, which is used by residents of all ages for community gatherings and recreation.

The vast majority of the residents affected are those who have lived in the area the longest.

Over the four days, volunteers participated in a variety of projects including flooring repairs and replacement; electric and plumbing repairs; roof and handrail replacements; accessibility modifications; painting; landscaping; and other major home rehabilitations.

RTB officials said the effort was made possible through the support of the event’s national and local partners, including Lowe’s, Wells Fargo Housing Foundation and CBRE, a commercial real estate company.

Bishop Jerome Stokes, Church of the Redeemed of the Lord.

Courtesy Photo

Bishop Jerome Stokes, Church of the Redeemed of the Lord.

“Rebuilding Together Baltimore is proud to have been selected to host the 2017 ‘Building a Healthy Neighborhood’ community revitalization project in Govans,” Bonnie Bessor, the executive director of RTB, said in a statement via email. “We are working closely with community leaders to ensure families who have lived in the area for generations can remain in their homes and can live in a safe environment.”

“Building a Healthy Neighborhood” also included a free Community

Resource Fair where information about health, education, housing, services for older adults, and even nutrition was provided.

“There were activities for kids, too. Our goal is help individual homeowners live in safe and healthy homes, and also help to revitalize their communities,” Bessor said.