May 2018

On April 28th, Rebuilding Together Southeast Michigan had our annual rebuild blitz day called National Rebuild Day. Many Rebuilding Together affiliates participate on this day, blitz renovating many homes in their respective areas. The day started when, in 1971, a group of neighbors in Texas saw one of their own struggling to keep up with the maintenance on their home. They came together and performed many repairs on their neighbor’s home, calling it Christmas in April. Afterward, the neighbors formed a group after the same name and many years later, changed their name to Rebuilding Together, to reflect the many kinds of neighbors that participate.

On October 21st,2017 Rebuilding Together Southeast Michigan helped a nonprofit organization that provides a sanctuary for women survivors of human trafficking called Sanctum House. Together, there was a total overhaul of the new facility that offers a much needed safe space in the world. 

Sanctum House was founded in 2017 to empower survivors of human trafficking with life skills to achieve a sustainable and independent lifestyle. Their founder Edee Franklin and Board member Christina Alvaro met with Rebuilding Together Southeast Michigan Board and staff to ask if we could assist them in preparing their new building to open as a safehouse.

On October 28, Cricket Wireless volunteers gathered at the Cass Community Social Services building in Detroit to help refurbish their gym. After gathering inside, the group started their work, with the majority working in the gym. Volunteers worked on cleaning dust off the gym pads, behind the grated windows and floors. When they finished cleaning up around the gym, the volunteers started on the walls, using ladders, paintbrushes and rollers with extension rods to reach the high walls above the padding.

On May 10th and 11th, volunteers from Eaton Corporation worked at the Bedford Woods Park in Southfield. Volunteers gathered early in the brisk morning to huddle and to go over the work scope to rebuild this wonderful park. On the first day, volunteers broke off after the huddle, separating themselves into three teams.