Supporting our Indianapolis Neighbors in Need
This year has brought its share of challenges. At Rebuilding Together Indianapolis, our work providing critical home repairs to support the health and safety of our neighbors--seniors, families with young children, people with disabilities, and other at-risk populations--is needed more than ever. We are monitoring the spread of coronavirus, taking precautions to protect high-risk individuals and families, and preparing for increased demand and new ways of delivering on our vision of safe homes and communities for everyone. No one should have to choose between putting food on the table and having a safe and healthy place to live.
After having to postpone our annual Union Build Day and Spring Rebuild Day, we looked for other ways to help. Early on in the pandemic, we donated our supply of N95 masks, disinfecting wipes, gloves, goggles, and other supplies to front-line workers at IU Health. We continued to provide critical repairs, from window replacements by Renewal by Andersen to electrical work by ERMCO to furnace replacement by Citizens Energy Group, all under strict health and personal protective equipment requirements. This essential and valuable work was performed with the help of our Union trade workers, partner contractors and the generosity of other funding partners.
For the homeowners originally slated for this year’s Rebuild Day, Rebuilding Together Indianapolis assembled and delivered “Safe at Home Kits.” The items in these kits—valued at approximately $550 each—addressed health safety on a variety of levels, from fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to face masks and shields, hand sanitizer, and cleaning supplies. The kits also included grocery delivery gift cards and cold weather items like weather stripping and blankets.
We continue to strengthen relationships with our sponsorship partners in the community. On Oct. 23, we hosted a Virtual Sponsorship Appreciation event, moderated by our Executive Director, Ali Brown, and featuring special messages from Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett; Ron Rice, Community Builder, Near Northwest; Trevor Meeks, Vice President of Single Family Lending, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership; Becky Carter, Regional Director, Rebuilding Together; Jayson Watt, Board President and Bryan McHugh, Board Vice President, Rebuilding Together Indianapolis. If you missed the event, you can watch it here.
Rebuilding Together Indianapolis thanks our volunteers, sponsors, and donors for their support during the COVID-19 crisis. We look forward to resuming larger volunteer events when the time is right. In the meantime, we remain committed to helping our neighbors access the emergency home repairs they need to stay safe in their homes.
