Home Repair, Renovation Assistance Available

Valparaiso homeowners who are low-income, elderly or disabled and who would benefit from repairs or renovations to their homes are encouraged to apply for assistance from Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso.

Hundreds of volunteers will work on a variety of home repair and revitalization projects during Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso’s 21st annual Work Day, taking place April 17, 2010. Those eligible for assistance must own and live in the home being worked on, meet federal low-income guidelines or be disabled or elderly.

Applications are available at Valparaiso City Hall, 166 Lincolnway, as well as numerous social service agencies and churches, or may be downloaded at http://www.rebuildingtogethervalparaiso.org. Applications should be turned in by Oct. 31 to Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso, 166 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Those who don't have access to a computer and who can't leave home to get an application can have one mailed to their home by calling (219) 548-4827.

“Due to the nation’s economic downturn, we saw the number of applications for help during our last Work Day go up considerably and we anticipate the need to be great again,” said Jeffrey Lamb, president of Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso and a local Thrivent Financial consultant. “We have a tremendous need for caring and compassionate people who can donate time and resources to help struggling families continue to be able live in their homes in safety, warmth and comfort.”

Rebuilding Together is the nation’s largest volunteer organization preserving and revitalizing low-income homes and communities. Since 1990, Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso, formerly known as Christmas in April, has brought volunteers together throughout the community to help elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners.