As the President of the Pittsburgh Regional Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors, my chapter members and I have had the privledge of working with Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh performing property assessments to help determine a candidate properties suitability for the program and it's critical repair needs. Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh is a highly motivated, organized and dedicated group, working to improve the lives not only of it's clients, but to help entire neighborhoods improve their quality of life. If this group has a weakness, I have yet to find it. Their organizational skills are excellent; our people always know what needs to be done and by when. Further, my members receive ample praise and know how much their efforts are valued by Rebuilding Together. As a result my members are eager to help, and be a part of this terrific program. Our combined efforts with Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, have created a pilot program for the coordinated efforts of our two organizations, Rebuilding Together and the American Society of Home Inspectors, and is being developed and distributed nationwide. This will enable members of both groups nationally to work together to ensure the best value and use for the dollar. I cannot say enough of my high esteem for this organization, it's members, leadership and it's help to the community, both in terms of value, and compassion.
Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh was started by a wonderful person named Ann Billak who died of breast cancer on July 15, 2004 at the age of 45. Every time I think of Rebuilding Together, I think of Ann. God has a plan for everyone and God's plan for Ann was to start Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh. When Ann completed her assignmnet, God declared that her work here on earth was done and he called her to her heavenly home.
The best part of volunteering for Rebulding Together Pittsburgh is knowing that I have helped low income and disabled homeowners to continue to live in their cherished homes, safe, secure, and warm. RTP has consistently leveraged very limited donated funds, materials, and labor to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of free home repairs to homeowners who could not otherwise afford to have the work done.
This organization has a very worthwhile mission, that is often overlooked. While extreme home makeover and similar shows have thrust home renovations of families in need into the limelight, often this work goes unrecognized. The staff is delightful, and the work they do is spirit lifting.
This is a great organization that is filling an increasing need for the Pittsburgh region's aging population. Staff are extremely committed to their mission and make the most of their resources. That they work with 1000 volunteers every year is phenomenal.
As a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors of Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh, my greatest moment is reviewing the renovation work performed by our volunteers with the homeowners. Seeing the tears of joy and gratitude of the homeowner is something words cannot explain. I know this is what keeps me going every day at the age of 75. RTP's services will help eldelry homeowners live in a healthier home environment.