Rebuilding Together Orlando is Making Homes Safe & Healthy

Rebuilding Together Orlando (RTO), a not-for-profit organization formed to help Central Florida low-income seniors, veterans, families with children, and disabled homeowners with repairs to make their homes comfortable, safe, healthy and dry, is growing and has moved into new office space in Altamonte Springs, Florida. It also plans to add staff.

The Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF) provided a $19,400 capacity-building grant in 2013 to assist RTO during this important growth phase.

Over the past three years, RTO has experienced steady growth, according to Lisa Portelli, WPHF Program Director.  During 2013, 27 projects were completed, including significant whole-house makeovers. These projects addressed the needs of 44 residents living in the homes selected for improvements. In addition, more than 6,000 community members were directly and indirectly impacted by the repairs to community centers and public areas.

“The new space will allow us to hire additional staff and expand our reach in the community,” said Ed Green, RTO Executive Director.  “We also plan to bring on VISTA volunteers to assist in case managing our clients and assisting with other needs.”

RTO also participated in Rebuilding Together’s National Rebuilding Day on April 26 by tackling free health- and safety-related improvements needed in three Eatonville homes.  It participated in the same event last year and renovated eight Eatonville homes. The Eatonville improvements both years were made possible with support from a $24,300 WPHF grant approved in 2013.

Held on the last Saturday in April, National Rebuilding Day is the day when affiliates from all parts of the country plan projects to celebrate the organization’s mission and bring national attention to the plight of America’s low-income homeowners and the communities in which they live, according to Ms. Portelli.

For more information about RTO Orlando, click here.