What is Rebuilding Together? The rebuilding Together mission is:
" To preserve and revitalize houses and communities, assuring that low-income elderly and low-income disabled homeowners, live in warmth, safety and independence. Our goal is to make a sustainable impact in partnership with the community."
 
Why are Rebuilding Together services needed?
Five and a half million low-income homeowners in America are elderly, and the vast majority are women. Over one-third live alone, and 43% spend over 40% of their income on housing expenditures. Twenty-two percent are shelter poor, meaning they cannot afford basic minimum necessities after paying housing costs. Therein lays the paradox; they have a home but cannot afford to maintain it. With volunteers eager to help, Rebuilding Together fills a desperate need as well as revitalizing neighborhoods.
 

How extensive are the repairs, and how many homes are rehabilitated in Omaha?
Annually the Rebuilding Together program helps 30 to 40 families who own their home. In 2007 Rebuilding Together renovated 25 homes bringing our total homes renovated to 627 since 1996.

  • Teams complete their work in a one-day Blitz on the last Saturday in April; Prep work is done during the week before the actual "work day".
  • Volunteers do painting, cleaning, weatherizing, carpentry, replace floors, handrails, update bathrooms and kitchens, repair windows, and many other household repairs.
  • Skilled trade professionals join with volunteers to do plumbing, electrical, carpentry, heating and air conditioning repairs.

How are homeowners selected?
The homeowner Selection Committee reviews all qualified applications along with on-site inspections. The committee chooses the homes based on need, and the programs ability to bring the resources required to complete the tasks identified during the entire selection process.

Homeowners must be low-income elderly or low-income permanently disabled and unable to do the work themselves. Referrals typically come from non-profit agencies, health care workers, case managers, churches, synagogues and individuals.

 
Do homeowners pay?
No - all repairs are free for the homeowners. Labor and supplies are donated or purchased by the program. Homeowners and family members are asked to welcome the volunteers into their homes and work alongside them in the spirit of neighbor-helping-neighbor. Our work is done with families and neighborhoods, not for them.
 
What if home repairs are serious and can't wait until April for help?
The Healthy At Home Initiative, including our "Emergency Repair" program operates throughout the year to help homeowners who have serious problems that cannot wait. Most repairs are done by Trade Professionals and paid for by Rebuilding Together.
 
Who sponsors Rebuilding Together?
Funds come from corporations, individuals, labor organizations, foundations, civic organizations, churches and synagogues interested in helping build a better community. Our program is responsible for our own fundraising, publicity, volunteer recruitment and management. Rebuilding Together is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization supported entirely by voluntary contributions of time and money.
 
What is the national impact of Rebuilding Together?
Operating in more than 1,880 communities accross America, in 2007, Rebuilding Together rehabilitated more than 9,100 homes and non-profit facilities. A volunteer work force of over 272,000 men, women and children donated many hours in service in their communities. Market value repairs will be well over $100 million this year.
 
Is Rebuilding Together affiliated with a particular church or religion?
No. The program embraces all the people: all faiths, walks of life, racial and ethnic groups, ages and sexes. The spirit of the program is that of giving and sharing.
 

Is my contribution tax-deductible?
Yes. All contributions are tax-deductible. contributions can be made on this site through The Network for Good. Or donations and contributions can be sent to:
                              Rebuilding Together Omaha
                              PO Box 540436
                              Omaha, NE 68154

For more information contact us.