Local, national organizations unveil new initiative for flood recovery rebuild
December 3, 2015
More than half a dozen community partners announced a new program to begin the flood recovery rebuild in the wake of record-breaking rainfall that devastated area homes in October.
The project, ReBuild Together, is jointly hosted by Home Works of America and St. Bernard Project, in partnership with United Way of the Midlands, Michael J. Mungo Foundation, BlueCross and BlueShield of South Carolina Foundation, Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina, Sisters of Charity Foundation, AARP South Carolina, SC Cooperatives Care Foundation of the Electric Cooperatives of SC, Allied Air, Rotary International, and Habitat for Humanity.
ReBuild Together will launch December 28, with more than 400 community volunteers expected to repair at least ten homes damaged by the flooding.
”Following the flooding, Home Works of America felt a unique burden as a local home repair organization. However, we knew our capacity was limited,” commented Jim Powell, Executive Director of Home Works of America. “We immediately began raising funds and mobilized a group of community leaders to help us plan a joint rebuilding effort, with little expectation that it would yield a local-national collaboration. Our mission is to show God’s love by enabling youth and adult volunteers to provide free home repairs to homeowners in need. We can now pursue that mission from within a strategic community movement – in which we borrow the gifts and learn from the expertise of others.”
United Way and the Michael J. Mungo Foundation are both investing $100,000 for the project. United Way’s funding is made possible by individuals and corporations that contributed to the organization’s Flood Relief Fund.
“We are excited to see this kind of collaboration between local and national organizations to meet the needs of our community,” said United Way President and CEO Mac Bennett. “United Way has always been focused on affordable housing solutions and we are working diligently to ensure that families remain in their homes and to expand on the supply of affordable housing in the Midlands.”
“My brother, Steven, and I were taught at an early age not to take anything for granted,” said Stewart Mungo, Chairman of Mungo Homes. “Many of those affected by the historic flood event have lost everything tangible, and it’s a reminder that things beyond our control can happen and even our homes can be taken away. As businessmen and members of this community, it’s our responsibility to help people get back on their feet – to rebuild their lives and rebuild their homes. Mungo Homes, in conjunction with the Michael J. Mungo Foundation, is pleased to contribute $100,000 towards the effort of ReBuild Together.”
To sign up to volunteer for ReBuild Together, visit homeworksofamerica.org and click Register Now!
