Backed by union volunteers, Rebuilding Together St. Louis wins prestigious award from FOCUS St. Louis

0
1195
PLUMBERS & PIPEFITTERS LOCAL 562 second year apprentice Zach Shield uses a power saw to cut, remove and replace a leaking cast iron soil pipe. – Labor Tribune file photo

Rebuilding Together St. Louis, a community improvement effort that has benefited from countless hours of volunteer union labor and support from union contractors, has received a “What’s Right In the Region” award, in the category of Promoting Stronger Communities, from FOCUS St. Louis.

A civic leadership organization, FOCUS St. Louis applauds the efforts of 20 individuals, organizations and/or initiatives making a positive difference in the St. Louis region each year.

For more than 25 years, Rebuilding Together has provided free home repair to veterans, low income and elderly homeowners in need so they may remain safely in their own homes.

“Our organization has rehabbed over 3,000 homes, 68 community centers and touched more than 65,000 lives” says Barry Upchurch, president of the board of directors. “It is a privilege to receive this honor from FOCUS which underscores our mission of a safe and healthy home for every person.”

LOW-INCOME HELP PROVIDED BY UNION VOLUNTEERS
Each year on Rebuilding Day, scheduled this year for Saturday, May 4, more than 1,500 volunteers are deployed throughout the metro area to revamp 40 to 50 homes in a single day. The group receives significant support from area skilled trades unions including Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562, the Electrical Connection (a partnership between IBEW Local 1 and the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association), Glaziers Local 513 and Sheet Metal Workers Local 36, as well as financial support from the Rockwood and Tri-County Labor clubs’ union tug-o-war fundraiser.

Rebuilding Together also hosts various community and veteran’s builds throughout the year. Additional financial support is provided through corporate sponsors, foundation grants, and individual donations.

PRESERVING AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP, NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION
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 RebuildingTogether-Stl.org or call 314-918-9918.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here