Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh—which works to ensure that low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners have safe and independent living conditions—is hosting Community Rebuilding Day on April 26.
Armed with 1,000 volunteers, the nonprofit will deliver $.5 million in rehab work to 31 homes across Allegheny County, including Polish Hill, McKeesport, Uptown, and Homewood. Event corporate sponsor is Bank of New York Mellon.
“We’ll make home modifications, because sixty-seven percent of seniors die every year as a result of a fall in their homes,” says Cindy Gilch, with Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, the nation’s largest volunteer home repair program. “We also make smaller critical home repairs all year round.”
As part of its spring outreach—which included tree plantings, paint donations and community-wide clean-up days in partnership with National Arbor Day Foundation, West Penn Recreation Center and Velspar—the
Polish Hill Civic Association (PHCA) will facilitate home rehabilitations and renewal efforts on Community Rebuilding Day.
Members of the Steelers will assist with home rehabs along Pulawski Way, Harmar St., Revere Way, and Wiggins St. Projects will include roof work, plumbing, painting, and basic repairs. “I’ve never been involved with an organization whose membership is so actively voluntary—including lots of new residents. It’s an incredible little place,” says Susan Constanse, with PHCA. “What’s really nice about Polish Hill is its proximity to Oakland, Lawrenceville, the Strip District, and Bloomfield. It’s primarily residential and extremely safe. It’s so central.” Constance says a recent resident survey revealed that a younger population is starting to move into Polish Hill.
PHCA is also seeking
art submissions for its first
Art What You Got festival on July 20. For information, call 412-681-1950 or
e-mail.
Writer:
Jennifer BaronSource: Cindy Gilch, Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh; Susan Constanse, Polish Hill Civic Association
Image courtesy Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh