Residents of Valparaiso are encouraged to lend a hand to their neighbors in need during the annual workday of Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso on April 17. 
Approximately 20 low-income, disabled and elderly homeowners will receive assistance with a variety of home repair and revitalization projects during Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso’s 21st annual Work Day on April 17. Both skilled tradespeople and those without specialized skills are needed as volunteers for projects such as interior or exterior painting, cleaning garages and basements, or yardwork. Volunteers must return sign-up forms by March 15 to be assigned a work site.
Volunteer forms are available at City Hall, 166 Lincolnway, and the Valparaiso Water Department, 205 Billings St., as well as the Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso Web site at http://www.rebuildingtogethervalparaiso.org. Sign-up forms printed out from the Web site may be dropped off in person at City Hall or the Valparaiso Water Department, or mailed to City Hall.
Both individual volunteers and groups who desire to form a team are welcome.
Jeffrey Lamb, president of Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso and a local Thrivent Financial consultant, said the labor donated by volunteers to families whose homes need repairs or revitalization is worth tens of thousands of dollars.
“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,” Lamb said. “The work of our volunteers to help out neighbors who need assistance to stay in their homes benefits the entire Valparaiso community by making our city a caring and more attractive place to live.”
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. For more information about volunteering or supporting the work of Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso, call (219) 548-4827 or send an e-mail to info@rebuildingtogethervalparaiso.org.
Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso also is seeking donations to support the purchase of Work Day materials. Financial contributions may be made online at Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso’s Web site mailed to Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso, Valparaiso City Hall, 166 Lincolnway, Valparaiso, IN 46383. Gifts are tax-deductible.
For more information about the organization visit http://www.rebuildingtogethervalparaiso.org, send an e-mail to info@rebuildingtogethervalparaiso.org, call (219)548-4827 or become a Facebook fan by searching for Rebuilding Together Valparaiso.
Those eligible for assistance from Rebuilding Together-Valparaiso must own and live in the home being worked on, meet federal low-income guidelines or be disabled or elderly.
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 approximately 300 elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners.