ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Home repairs like installing a water heater, painting, trash removal and electrical work are essential parts of home ownership, but tasks that may be out of reach for the elderly.
Rebuilding Together Washtenaw, Inc. is dedicated to providing low-income elderly and disabled homeowners with free home repairs using volunteer services. The annual Rebuilding Together event is held the last Saturday in April. Referrals for home repairs are being accepted now through Jan. 23.
"Our goal is to help seniors and the disabled live in their homes safely," says Carolyn Hastings, director of the Housing Bureau for Seniors, which is part of the University of Michigan Health System and a partner in Rebuilding Together Washtenaw.
Each year nearly 100 homes get needed attention during the one-day event. All work is done by volunteers with supervision by professional building experts. Financial contributions and donations cover building supplies such as flooring and cabinetry.
Eligible homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- Reside within the Ann Arbor, Dexter, Manchester or Ypsilanti school districts
- Be low-income senior or have a disability
- Own the property to be repaired
In the selection process, a work scope visit is made by a skilled trades person and priority is given to low-income elderly applicants who cannot maintain their homes and have no family member to help them.
Churches, community organizations and individuals can refer homeowners to Rebuilding Together Washtenaw, an affiliate of Rebuilding Together, a nationwide non-profit organization.
Referral forms are available online at www.rebuildingtogetherwashtenaw.org, or information can be requested by calling (734) 998-9337.