Free Home Repairs for West Englewood Homeowners
Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago
Published: November 22, 2011
Attention West Englewood Homeowners!
· Do you own a home?
· Are you elderly, disabled, or low-income?
· Do you need free help with home repairs?
Rebuilding Together * Metro Chicago (formerly Christmas in April) is a volunteer home repair effort that conducts a one-day community work blitz to help repair the homes of low-income homeowners. Eligibility for the free home repair is based on both financial eligibility and the type of work needed, with priority given to elderly and disabled homeowners. In partnership with Alderman Toni Foukes, Alderman Latasha Thomas, and Alderman Joann Thompson we will be working in the West Englewood neighborhood this year.
Our program has been in existence for twenty years and is composed entirely of volunteers who work at banks, law firms, construction companies, unions, etc. Although we do all of our work in April 2012, we must choose our homes now. For that reason, we ask that you submit your application promptly. We are planning to select about 50 homes in a section of the West Englewood neighborhood this year (Western to Racine, between 59th Street and 69th Street). Please also encourage others to apply.
To request an application be mailed to you, call: (312) 201-1188.
All applications must be received by December 15th. Early applications will be given priority.
Once selected, each home is “sponsored” by a volunteer team. Their skill levels vary. Typical repairs are limited to a variety of one-day tasks such as:
- interior painting
- minor plumbing or electrical repairs
- replacing tile
- porch repair (not full replacement)
- improving handicapped access
- minor remodeling
- adding security doors
- yard work
Volunteers CANNOT do roof repair, sewer repair, or tuck-pointing.
If your home is selected, all repairs will be done on April 28, 2012 by a group of approximately 30 volunteers. All able-bodied people living in the home are expected to work alongside the volunteers.
Apply now for assistance if you are interested, qualify as low-income and own a home in the West Englewood Neighborhood!