Brandon Twp.- It was a very special Christmas? in April? for Katie Hobson nine years ago.
The Brandon Township resident, now 83, recalls a beautiful April day when she sat out in her yard, surrounded by all of her furniture, enjoying the weather. She watched as volunteers raked, planted flowers, gave her a new, larger porch with railings, and painted the garage and exterior of her home. Inside, more workers were painting, putting in new carpeting and linoleum and improving plumbing, including a new toilet and sink. Hobson also received new blinds and oak cabinets in her kitchen, something she’d never had replaced in the 50 years she has lived in the home.
The volunteers did almost all of this in one day and for free as part of what was then known as Christmas in April.
‘I thought it was a real good program,? said Hobson. ‘I was very appreciative. The next year I made a lot of doilies and they were selling them so they could raise money for Christmas in April.?
Now renamed Rebuilding Together, the non-profit organization repairs the homes of low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners in a one day work blitz. This year’s project day is April 30.
In the township about 200 volunteers will work on three chosen homes? doing projects such as roofing, plumbing, electrical, painting, windows, carpeting, and cabinets. At least 12 yards will also be raked.
Karen Adcock is on the board of directors for Rebuilding Together Oakland County and represents Brandon Township. She says applicants for the program must meet certain guidelines, including income. There are also other deciding factors in who is chosen, including what can be done with six to eight hours of hard labor by volunteers.
‘We want to make sure we take on a project that we can A, finish, and B, do correctly,? says Adcock. ‘We look at if we are going to improve their quality of life, if there are any health or safety issues that we can improve, will the homeowner feel good about the project when we’re done and will the volunteers feel good about the project when we’re done.?
Once homes are chosen, the work scope for the day is planned and a list of supplies, materials and volunteers is made. The program has no cost for the homeowner, with everything donated through businesses and organizations.
Adcock says there isn’t much Rebuilding Together hasn’t tackled.
‘We’ve emptied the house and put it back together in one day,? she said. ‘Sun up to sun down.?
Ortonville United Methodist Church organizes the food for workers, with breakfast and lunch on site and dinner at the church.
‘Volunteers get a lot of satisfaction from what they’re doing and come back every year,? said Adcock. ‘I have one house captain who met his wife on that job. Maybe we can even find you a love connection. It’s nice to see everybody of all ages and backgrounds get together.?
For details on volunteering for Rebuilding Together or for more information on the program, call (248) 889-5450.