Helping those in need...the elderly, the disabled

Capital Region BUILDING Magazine

RCS Publication, Ltd.

Published: September/October 2009

"Neighbors helping neighbors" is the motto of Rebuilding Together, which offers free home repairs to low-income Saratoga County homeowners with priority given to the elderly and disabled.  "Our goal is to help the elderly, disabled, low-income or veteran stay warm, safe and dry," says Michelle Larkin, RTSC Executive Director.

Rebuilding Together Saratoga County received more than $92,000 in the past four years from the Saratoga Builders Association through the Saratoga Showcase of Homes.  Since there is no Saratoga Showcase of Homes this year and the financial help received from that event will be missing, it stands to reason that RTSC could use help from other sources to effectively continue it's mission.

In July, the organization received a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.  The money will be used for winterization and home repairs for Saratoga residents in need.

Volunteers are always needed to help with projects.  Individuals and local business partners looking to make a difference in their own community have done a great job so far this year. 

 Roohan Realty has helped in two Spring Work weekends.  They participated at several work sites helping different homeowners who wouldn't have been able to stay in their homes otherwise.  Last year the entire office and some of thier children worked together to provide a ramp, painting and landscaping for a local veteran's mobile home.  Roohan has raised more than $5,000 during the calendar year though basketball and football pools, gourmet dinner auctions, 50/50 raffles, silent auctions and "Jeans Day".

Quad/Graphics of Saratoga believes in giving back, too.  They provided a crew to work with RTSC to provide a new roof for an elderly Ballston Spa woman.  They not only provided the free labor, but the roofing materials as well.

Clough Harbour put a new roof on a home in Stillwater for a needy homeowner.

In another example, Mobile Home Solutions donated more than $2,500 in 2009 as well as labor for RTSC's work sites and encouraged others to volunteer and sponsor projects too.

Neighbors helping neighbors is indeed the concept.  If you would like to help RTSC this fall go to the website or call.  Here is a sample of upcoming projects:

• a 77-year-old man in Wilton who needs a walk-in shower and handrails for this porch
• an 85-year-old woman from Gansevoort needs weatherization and modifications to stairs so she can remain in her home.
• a 62- and 65-year-old couple need back stairs and a landing for safety
• an elderly Saratoga woman needs concrete steps and a porch support beam fixed