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Know a veteran whose house could use a bit of repair?

Rebuilding Together Thurston County

Rebuilding Together Thurston County is always seeking volunteers and qualified veterans who might need assistance. Courtesy photo

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"People helping people, that is the whole point," stated Raechel Kilcup, executive director for Rebuilding Together Thurston County (RTTC).

RTTC is an affiliate of Rebuilding Together U.S.A., an organization dedicated to helping rehabilitating less-advantaged homeowners' houses.

"Veterans as a whole are part of the clients that we always serve," continued Kilcup, who became the first director for RTTC in the group's decade-long history just last year.  

Kilcup recommends that veterans apply at any time so that it is that much easier to match them with a grant when one that fits their application comes along. Additionally, if RTTC has extra funds, it will try to accommodate existing applications.

A majority of funds come from corporations, individuals, labor organizations, foundations, civic organizations and religious institutions. Businesses can also adopt a home to sponsor by contributing a cash donation between $1,000 and $5,000. Companies that sponsor a home often also organize a volunteer team of employees to work on the project.

To be eligible, candidates must be part of a low-income household within Thurston County and own their own home. Qualified candidates must also be one or a combination of the following: a veteran (or in some cases the widow of a veteran); disabled; more than 60 years of age; or be a family with small children in the home. Additional specifications might apply dependent upon which grant is funding the home project.

After an application has been submitted and the information is verified, members of the House Selection committee will visit with the homeowner to assess the needs of the project. The application is then submitted to the RTTC Board of Directors so they can look at the issues of financial resources and volunteer availability.

RTTC has also recently branched out with a Handyman Program, which was launched through funding from the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound and boasts Lowe's as a corporate sponsor. The new service can help between 20 to 40 homeowners per year with various handyman projects, from installing grab bars to repairing roofs or sheetrock.

"When it comes to these smaller handyman projects, veterans will always qualify and there is no waiting on funding, plus the work can often be scheduled and completed within a couple weeks," Kilcup stated.

Volunteer opportunities also abound with RTTC. Specifically, Kilcup is looking for handymen who can donate a few hours of work here and there to help with that side of the work. Volunteers can also do office work for the growing nonprofit.

"We are trying to get more of the community involved," she said.

On a national level, all Rebuilding Together chapters take part in national Rebuilding Day on the last Saturday in April and volunteers from all walks of like come together to help their neighbors.

"We turn Rebuilding Day into Rebuilding Month," Kilcup explained. "Throughout the entire month we need skilled volunteers with a construction field background, or even those that can do yard work or wash windows. Even if someone wants to donate food for those doing manual labor, it'd be appreciated."

To learn more or to apply for assistance, visit http://rebuildingtogethertc.org/apply-for-help/ or call the Rebuilding Together Thurston County office. Those interested in donating money or supplies, or anyone wanting volunteer their own time can also call 360.539.7830.

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