Rebuilding Together

In 1992, Rebuilding Together Portland (RTpdx) began renewing homes in our community (see Rebuilding Together). Each year on the last Saturday in April, RTpdx (and all Rebuilding Together chapters across the country) has a work day to renew homes for low-income homeowners in need. (These are often seniors, veterans and those with disabilities). RTpdx coordinates unskilled volunteers like us, skilled volunteer tradespeople and companies, and corporate sponsorship to benefit the needy in our community.

Every year for over 20 years, East Portland Rotary has adopted a home. We provide a volunteer crew (labor) to renew the home and commonly do painting, minor carpentry, electrical and plumbing repairs, yardwork, debris removal, general cleanup and more. It’s amazing what a 20-40 person crew can get done in a day. If necessary, skilled tradespeople assist when a task is beyond our skills and/or resources. This service project transforms a home and thereby benefits its residents and the neighborhood. The difference between the before and after is huge. It’s a very rewarding way to give back to our community.