Rebuilding Together Hudson Valley (RTHV) has been granted $7,500 from BTCF’s Northeast Dutchess Area Fund to provide major repairs to two homes during its Rebuilding Day Program. As a national affiliate of Rebuilding Together, RTHV joins a network of housing organizations that fix homes across the country every year on the last Saturday in April. Low-income, aging, and vulnerable residents in the rural towns of Pine Plains, Dover, and Amenia are eligible for RTHV’s program. By providing large-scale home repairs necessary to maintain a safe and healthy living environment, residents can stay in their homes.
Repairs include critical services such as roofing, plumbing, electrical work, energy efficiency upgrades, and accessibility modifications, including ramps, grab bars, and stair lifts. The program utilizes a volunteer base of skilled local contractors and receives in-kind donations for services and materials from partner organizations.
RTHV Executive Director Darcy McCourt says, “Community bonds and empathy are strengthened as volunteers interact with homeowners,” and “provide a sense of belonging” for all involved.
RTHV’s work extends beyond the national building day; they organize several local “Rebuilding Days” throughout the year. To stay informed and responsive to community needs, they engage residents with town hall meetings and listening sessions. RTHV’s community advisory board comprises past residents of services, contractors, and volunteers dedicated to expanding outreach.
Project by project, RTHV sees the ripple effect of repaired homes improve the quality of life for individuals, stabilize neighborhoods, and lay the foundation for a future generation of homeowners.
Acknowledgments: Research for this article included valuable firsthand insights from RTHV Executive Director Darcy McCourt and support from Aileen Meehan, BTCF's Community Engagement Officer for Northeast Dutchess County and Northwest Litchfield County.
