Wanted: Volunteers to Rehabilitate Ten North Minneapolis Homes August 19, 2006

Rebuilding Together Twin Cities and Minneapolis' Northside Home Fund join forces to preserve affordable housing in the North Minneapolis area. They seek skilled construction volunteers experienced in the building trades and crafts and general volunteers who will pitch in and help wherever they can.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) August 2, 2006 -- Two Twin Cities housing organizations are seeking volunteers willing to devote a Saturday to pounding nails or painting trim as part of an August 19 effort to rehabilitate ten North Minneapolis homes.

The partnership between Rebuilding Together Twin Cities and the Northside Home Fund will revitalize and preserve much-needed affordable housing for low-income families, particularly the elderly or persons with disabilities. The ten-targeted homes need basic repairs to bring them into compliance with building codes. Approximately 300 volunteers are needed to perform a variety of tasks ranging from clean-up and light carpentry to more skilled electrical, masonry and plumbing work.

"Rebuilding Together brings together the people, tools and supplies needed to get the work done while the Northside Home Fund provides the financial resources it takes to truly improve the quality of the housing stock in North Minneapolis for the long term," says Kathy Greiner, executive director of Rebuilding Together Twin Cities. "Mayor R.T. Rybak, members of the City Council and leaders throughout the community recognize that affordable housing provides the foundation for safer, more economically viable neighborhoods. We're pleased to join with them in what we hope will be the first of many joint housing rehabilitation projects."

Volunteers must be 14 years of age or older, and those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers are asked to commit to a full workday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Continental breakfast, snacks, beverages, lunch and a project t-shirt will be provided. Volunteers are also invited to attend a celebration picnic at Farview Park immediately following the workday. Volunteers are encouraged to bring well-marked hand and power tools. To sign up, or for more information, call Rebuilding Together Twin Cities at (651) 776-4273 or visit www.rebuildingtogether-twincities.org

About Rebuilding Together Twin Cities

Established in 1997, Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is the local chapter of the national organization Rebuilding Together. Borne of the spirit of neighbor helping neighbor to rebuild our community together, Rebuilding Together renovates, revitalizes and renews homes and helps homeowners regain a sense of pride in their community. Through mid-2006, The Twin Cities' chapter has rehabilitated 84 homes, providing a better living environment for 54 elderly persons, 44 persons with disabilities, and 45 families with a combined total of 114 children.

About Northside Home Fund

The City of Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) Department established the Northside Partnership, which is charged with creating a comprehensive action plan to increase employment options, improve economic development, housing and environmental opportunities, and address public safety concerns in North Minneapolis. A key component of the Northside Partnership's housing effort is the City's $1 million appropriation used to seed the Northside Home Fund (NHF). The mission of the NHF is "To add value to existing neighborhood and institutional efforts to improve the quality of the housing stock in North Minneapolis." The NHF aims to improve the quality of the housing stock as well as stabilize and strengthen the home-ownership market of north Minneapolis neighborhoods.