With the help of approximately 350 volunteers, Rebuilding Together Greater Haverhill, Inc. completed more than 40 repair and improvement projects for city residents most in need.
The 15th annual Rebuilding Day was April 28. Skilled and unskilled volunteers alike started work early, but not before being treated to a breakfast at the Haverhill Elks Lodge at 7 a.m.
The dark clouds looming overhead appeared ominous, but were deceiving.
“I’m very pleased that the weather held up. We were not expecting it to be so nice,” said Rebuilding Together Director Kathy Boudreau. “Everything got done and the volunteers really matched up well with the families (they helped).”
Including emergency repairs completed prior to Rebuilding Day, 42 private homes and group homes received attention.
“Because we had enough volunteers, we were able to put a wheelchair ramp onto even the wait-listed homes,” Boudreau explained. “We added a lot of grab bars, carbon monoxide detectors and other safety measures, which I’m happy about, because (creating a safe environment for people to live in) is our main focus.”
Boudreau was quick to point out that work of this sort is never complete and that there are still two homes waiting for portable wheelchair ramps — the most popular improvement this year.
Since 1991, Rebuilding Together Greater Haverhill, Inc., formerly Christmas in April, has provided repairs and rehabilitation totalling over $2 million to more than 450 homes.
Anyone interested in volunteering or wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to Rebuilding Together can contact Boudreau at 978-469-0800.
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Jill Connor
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