The Mosaic Company Makes Repairs for Former School Teacher

On September 28th, we partnered with the Mosaic Company to help a South Minneapolis homeowner named Bette, a former art teacher.  Bette has lived in her home in the Powderhorn Park neighborhood for nearly thirty years, and she raised her family in that home.  She has works of art displayed throughout her home and loves that it reminds her of an art gallery.  Bette would like to continue to live in her home and loves her neighborhood, but she is concerned about several maintenance and safety issues as she gets older.  Volunteers from the Mosaic Company constructed new concrete steps on Bette’s front walkway, removed several trees and other various brush, constructed a new deckrail system on her back stairs, re-tiled her fireplace, and re-graded the side of her house.

This is the fifth year in a row that we have partnered with the Mosaic Company!  Thanks to the volunteer team who came out to help Bette and to the Mosaic Company for their continued commitment to helping homeowners in need!

Make a Difference Together: Become a Journeyman

At Rebuilding Together, we work with people who have volunteered on one of our projects and want to do more.  We teach them how to work with and lead teams to finish up uncompleted tasks or take on new ones.  We call these valuable volunteers Journeymen.  Being a Journeyman is easy to fit in to your schedule, and these projects take only one day or less.

Take the next step in volunteering by finding out how you can make an even bigger difference by becoming a Journeyman Volunteer today!  We host a Journeyman Volunteer Night each month at our warehouse (2627 Fourth Street SE Minneapolis).  This event is an opportunity to learn more about becoming a Journeyman and upcoming volunteer opportunities, receive training on specific tasks and meet staff and other volunteers.  We have Journeyman Volunteer Events scheduled for October 25th and November 15th.  Email Kelly at k.bandman@rebuildingtogether-twincities.org to register for this event or for more information.

Q&A’s about becoming a Journeyman Volunteer

What is a Journeyman Volunteer?
A person who volunteers with Rebuilding Together Twin Cities on an individual basis.

What skills does a Journeyman Volunteer need?
No specific skills are necessary.  We welcome all people of any skill level who are enthusiastic about serving homeowners in the Twin Cities.

What will I learn as a Journeyman?
Rebuilding Together Twin Cities holds a Journeyman Volunteer Night once a month.  Topics will be aimed at teaching new skills, presentations from our partners, and making service opportunities available.

How do I find out about service opportunities?
Our Project Coordinators will inform all Journeymen about service opportunities as they come up.

Can I request specific types of projects?
Yes, you may list your preferences when you fill out a Journeyman Info Sheet.

Where can I sign up?
Sign up sheets are available at the monthly Journeyman Volunteer Nights, on project sites, and via e-mail.  For more information please contact Kelly Bandman at k.bandman@rebuildingtogether-twincites.org.

Volunteers from GLS Companies Help South Minneapolis Homeowner

On September 29th, we partnered with volunteers from GLS Companies to make repairs for a South Minneapolis homeowner named Roma.  Roma has lived in her home for her entire life and takes great pride in the fact that this home has been in her family for over 150 years.  She worked as a labor and delivery nurse at Riverside Hospital until she retired.  She spends her time cooking meals for her family and sewing Raggedy Ann dolls for her grandchildren.

Roma would like to continue living independently in her home for as long as possible, but needed some repairs, and safety and accessibility modifications to make that possible. Volunteers from GLS made several repairs, including tearing down an old and dangerous shed, and installing a new shed; replacing a broken sidewalk with new sidewalk pavers; installing a handrail and grab bars; installing gutters; fixing a leak in the roof of a second floor deck; installing an awning; and performing yardwork.

This is the second year in a row that we have partnered with GLS Companies and our third collaborative project with them.  Thanks to everyone who came out to help Roma!

Teaming Up with Wells Fargo for Real Estate Owned Program

We recently joined efforts with Wells Fargo to help Twin Cities residents find safe, affordable homes through our new Real Estate Owned (REO) Program.  Through this collaborative effort, Wells Fargo donated a foreclosed home to Rebuilding Together Twin Cities.  We renovated the home and worked with a real estate agent to sell the home to a low-to-moderate income buyer (household income between 80% and 120% of area median income).  The buyer was required to complete a Homebuyer Education class and show certificate of completion before closing. The buyer is also required to live in the home; it cannot be re-sold to an investor.  The proceeds from the sale of the home are returned to Rebuilding Together Twin Cities’ operating fund, allowing us to continue to make critical home repairs for homeowners in need.

“We are happy to partner with Wells Fargo to increase homeownership opportunities for low-income families,” said Kathy Greiner, our Executive Director.  “These renovated homes have a positive impact on the neighborhoods, and the proceeds from the sales allow us to continue our mission: keep homeowners living independently and safely in the homes and neighborhoods they love.”

“Wells Fargo is proud to support the work of Rebuilding Together to help create affordable and sustainable housing opportunities for low-to-moderate income families,” said Kimberly Jackson, head of the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation.

The first house renovated and sold through the REO program is located in Richfield, Minn.  Rebuilding Together Twin Cities has plans to renovate and sell a total of four homes this fiscal year.