Rebuild Upstate celebrates record in changing community lives
January 13, 2016
The lives of 120 Upstate families were made better in 2015 thanks to the volunteers at Rebuild Upstate.
This non-profit that serves Greenville, Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties more than doubled its number of homes repaired from its previous record of 62 in 2013, said Chris Manley, the non-profit’s founder and executive director.
In 2015, 120 homes were repaired and improved throughout Anderson, Greenville, Oconee, and Pickens Counties through the work of 900 volunteers, who performed more than 15,000 hours of service. Rebuild Upstate’s community impact was more than $562,000.
Completed projects included:
- 50 large handicap accessible ramps (20 ft. or longer)
- 19 small handicap ramps (smaller than 20 ft. in length)
- Six wedge ramps for aided accessibility
- Four roof repairs, 13 roof replacements, 12 shingle replacements and three metal roof installations
- Three HVAC replacements or repairs
- 20 flooring repairs or replacements
- Two electrical repairs, 14 plumbing repairs, 15 grab bar installations (for safety purposes)
- 36 assorted other projects
Rebuild Upstate helps low-income homeowners with home repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods. Typically homeowners fall into one of three segments: low-income families with children in the home, seniors age 60 and older, and people with disabilities.
Rebuild Upstate uses a diverse funding model comprised of individuals, corporations, foundations, local churches and small businesses that support the organization, Manley said.
“This year is a testament to the awesome ability of people to come together as a group to help and aid others across the Upstate,” Manley said.
About Rebuild Upstate:
Rebuild Upstate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Upstate South Carolina low-income homeowners with home repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.
