FAQ's

General
 

Q: What is Rebuilding Together of Richmond?
A: Rebuilding Together of Richmond (formerly Christmas in April) is an affiliate of the national Rebuilding Together organization.  It is a volunteer-based program that repairs and rehabilitates homes and non-profit community facilities.  We help low income, elderly, and disabled people who own their homes but are unable to maintain them.

Q: Why are Rebuilding Together Richmond’s services needed?
A: Many of our neighbors have worked hard all their lives and have been able physically and financially to repair their own homes.  Due to illness, aging or any number of uncontrollable causes, they are unable to do the repair work needed and their homes have become unsafe and unlivable. The result is loss of the homeowner’s dignity and crumbling neighborhoods.  One day of volunteer effort can make a difference in people’s lives.

Q: Who is eligible for Rebuilding Together services?
A: Elderly, disabled and low-income homeowners who are not able to do the work themselves and non-profit facilities are eligible.

Q: What is “Christmas in April”?
A: An early recipient told an interested reporter that receiving this gift from her neighbors in the community was like having “Christmas in April”. This name was adopted by the organization in 1988. In 2001, the organization became “Rebuilding Together”, a name which reflects its expanded mission and additional year-round services.

Home Repairs

Q: How are homes selected?
A: Various churches, neighborhoods, community and service organizations refer homes to us.  Homeowners must submit financial information for review and approval by the Rebuilding Together of Richmond board.

Q: What area does Rebuilding Together of Richmond serve?
A: In the past, Rebuilding Together of Richmond has improved nearly 650 local homes in fifteen communities in the city of Richmond, including the Byrd Park, Randolph, Blackwell, Church Hill, Newtown South, Summerhill, Jefferson-Davis corridor, Maymont, Barton Heights, Montrose/National Heights, Providence Park, Swansboro, Oak Grove, Carver, and Bellemeade communities.  In 2007, Rebuilding Together Richmond will serve the Highland Park (North) community.

Q: What repairs are done?

A: Repairs include carpentry, plumbing, electrical, roofing, painting, glazing, weather-stripping, grab bars, ADA wheelchair ramps, trash removal, cleaning and much, much more.

Q: Do the homeowners pay?
A: No. All repairs are paid for by dollar donations or in-kind donations from businesses, foundations, service organizations, clubs, associations and individuals — from neighbors who care — at no cost to the homeowners.

Sponsoring

Q: Who sponsors Rebuilding Together?
A: Our sponsors include businesses, foundations, service organizations, clubs, associations and individuals.

Q: How can I support Rebuilding Together of Richmond?
A: There are several ways to make a donation.

Volunteering

Q: Who volunteers?
A: Anyone can be a volunteer.  Volunteers come from religious groups, businesses, schools, community service organizations,  corporations, associations, and interested and concerned individuals. They represent all professions: secretaries, lawyers, truck drivers, doctors, judges, policemen, housewives, students, etc.  Volunteers do not need to be skilled at home repairs.

Q: Can you volunteer one day a year?
A: Yes!  Join us for Rebuilding Day and “Make a Difference in One Day”!

Q: What do I need to know about Rebuilding Day?
A: We have a fact sheet with Rebuilding Day volunteer information.

Q: What if it rains?
A: Rebuilding Day is rain or shine! Much of the work is indoors.