Posted on: Tuesday, April 6, 2004

Volunteers to spruce up three O'ahu homes

Advertiser Staff

Three O'ahu low-income families will have their homes painted, cleaned and repaired by volunteers April 24 as part of the Rebuilding Together Hawai'i program.

Now in its 12th year locally, Rebuilding Together Hawai'i's mission is to preserve and revitalize communities and houses — especially those of the elderly, disabled and families with children — assuring that they will live in warmth, safety and independence.

The annual work day is on the last Saturday in April, National Rebuilding Day.

Volunteers from the group, formerly known as Christmas in April, have repaired more than 153 homes and eight nonprofit centers since 1992.

More than 5,800 volunteers and 24 corporate sponsors have participated.

Teams of volunteers perform various rehabilitation activities under the guidance of qualified supervisors doing everything from carpentry to plumbing to general household repairs. Materials are paid for by donations.

This year's recipients are the Palea family of Waiokeola Street in Waimanalo, the Wildermann family of Kalaniana'ole Highway in Waimanalo and the Brown family of Kahuku.

"Rebuilding Together Hawai'i could never attempt a project of this magnitude without the support of many volunteers and the incredible generosity of building materials and donations from longtime sponsors like City Mill, Home Depot and Nordic Construction," said the nonprofit group's president, Tyrus Young.

"At the end of the day," Young said, "the homeowner is presented with a more livable home and communities are sewn together in one coordinated effort. Everybody wins."

The organization is seeking both trade-skilled and other individuals willing to help. Also sought are donations of food and drinks for the teams of volunteers.

To volunteer, call Michele D'Amico at 791-6056.