Dutchess homes get repairs from Rebuilding Together

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Christina Boryk with homeowners AnnMarie and Lee

WAPPINGERS FALLS (April 30) – “They are getting rid of mold and putting in new doors to prevent heat from [escaping]. Rebuilding Together is helping unbelievably,” said Lee, describing the work of volunteers on Saturday, April 27 during Rebuilding Together Dutchess County’s National Rebuilding Day. Lee, a Wappingers Falls resident, was one of six homeowners who received critical home repairs in the county with the help of 150 volunteers and eight local community sponsors.

In Poughkeepsie, similar work was underway by community members on an aging home. The homeowner, a 54-year-old single mother, reached out to Rebuilding Together Dutchess County (RTDC) after a friend suggested looking into programs that help with home repairs. A lot of work was needed on her 74-year-old home but she lacked the financial means to do it herself. On Saturday, she was “one big smile,” feeling like she won the lottery. “I’m speechless,” she said – something that, she added, “doesn’t happen very often.” 

Rebuilding Together Dutchess County has been serving the residents of Dutchess County for 27 years. The mission of the organization is to repair homes, revitalize communities, and rebuild lives by performing no-cost critical home repairs for vulnerable families in the community. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, housing is considered affordable when it costs no more than 30% of a household’s income, and nearly 38% of Dutchess County’s homeowners are cost-burdened based on this guideline. While the Dutchess County Office for the Aging cites a 28% increase of older adults in poverty between 2007 and 2017, families and single individuals too are more than ever unable to afford basic expenses. Out of the six projects completed on National Rebuilding Day, three were families with school-aged children, two had a member over the age of 65, and two were single individuals. 

Carole, who has three generations living in her home, including two young grandchildren with asthma, was afraid for their health, with the plaster walls crumbling and creating dust throughout the home. “All these people are making me happy” she said, referencing the team of volunteers who removed the plaster and replaced it with sheetrock, cleaned up her yard, painted her back porch, and repaired a rotting front porch. Through tears she said “I just want a safe home for my kids.”

“These are everyday community members; people may not realize the struggles of their own neighbors,” says RTDC Executive Director Christina Boryk. “Tragedy happens, small issues become health hazards seemingly overnight. It’s not always possible to keep up with the maintenance of your home.”

For the many homeowners out there who have to put off home maintenance for basic necessities such as food and healthcare, Rebuilding Together Dutchess County may be able to help. Just ask Lee: “[the work done on Saturday] is making my life easier, safe and healthier.”

Sponsorship teams from Arlington Teacher’s Association, Central Hudson, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Poughquag and Pawling United Methodist Churches, United Methodist Church of Hyde Park, Walden Savings Bank, and Wells Fargo financially supported the projects, in addition to providing the volunteers who swung the hammers and did the heavy lifting.

Other supporters, contributing in-kind donations and services, include ABC Supply Company, Inc., Forrest Green Landscaping, Plass the Plumber, Rider Painting, and Veith Electric, while additional funding was provided by Dutchess County, Meyer Contracting and the Poughkeepsie South Rotary.




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