Jude Salac and Justin Domire of the Structural Engineers Association team do landscaping work for the front garden of a home on Edison Street.
The noise didn't seem to bother Rudy* as his Alexandria home of 30 years was overtaken by a team of volunteers who proceeded to plant, patch and paint their way through the Edison Street house as part of National Rebuilding Day April 28.
“There are no words for what they have done here today,” said Rudy, referring to the volunteers from Mercer-Trigiani who spent the day performing renovations and repairs to the home he shares with his 14 and 17 year-old grandsons. “They have done such a tremendous job and it's amazing to see the spirit of everyone here.”
Rudy was one of nearly 100 residents throughout the city to receive repairs and upgrades to their homes through Rebuilding Together Alexandria.
“So many people think all we do is paint and make yards look pretty but our volunteers do so much more than that,” said Rebuilding Together of Alexandria Executive Director Katharine Dixon. “This past weekend volunteers poured a smooth, concrete walkway for an elderly client to more easily walk on and a few teams gutted kitchens where cabinets were falling off of walls and the countertops were sinking.”
More than 1,000 volunteers from organizations such as Rotary of Alexandria and the Structural Engineers Association took part in the one day national effort to help low-income, disabled and elderly residents receive much-needed repairs and modifications to their homes.
“These upgrades are important since most of Rebuilding Together Alexandria's clients live near the poverty level earning less than $26,000 a year,” Dixon said. “This makes it difficult for them to pay for home maintenance and much needed medicine or food.”
Rebuilding Together Alexandria has worked on more than 1,450 projects in the city since its inception more than 25 years ago.
“I am so filled with gratitude right now,” Rudy said as the team of volunteers put the finishing touches on a new patio, front gate and storm door. “Rebuilding Together has really made a difference in so many lives.”
For more information about Rebuilding Together Alexandria, visit www.RebuildingTogetherAlex.org.
- It is RTA policy to not disclose full names.