News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Rebuilding Together Seeks House Captains

Rebuilding Together Seeks House Captains

By Michael P. Neufeld
Thursday, February 14, 2008

Lake Arrowhead, CA – Rebuilding Together volunteers will gather on April 26 to work on six houses and a non-profit organization's building directed by local contractors who serve as house captains.

Rebuilding Together with Christmas In April has depended on contractors for many years to direct operations on over 100 homes from Green Valley Lake and Running Springs to Lake Arrowhead and Crestline. And everything takes place on the last Saturday of April each year.

House captains are needed by Rebuilding Together to direct operations at six houses on April 26 (Rebuilding Day 2008). Last year, Kevin Alley served as house captain for this Running Springs residence sponsored by Dr. Kyi Kyi Win. Phil and Teri Wolloch served as volunteer coordinators. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

"We're looking for at least four additional house captains," Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities President Wayne Palmer (Palmer's Construction), "they're the lead volunteers who direct operations at each of the houses on Rebuilding Day fixing up houses for a day and fixing up people's lives for a lifetime."

Palmer explained house captains would direct the operations of about 125 tradesmen and 250-300 non-trade volunteers. Each captain is assigned a volunteer coordinator to help assign people to specific jobs and help recruit additional skilled volunteers.

Rebuilding Togther President Wayne Palmer joins the Rim O' the World Association of Realtors in requesting new auction items for the April 22 dinner and dance at the San Moritz Lodge in Crestline. Call (909) 553-7732 to donate an item or purchase tickets at $ 25 per person. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

"Rebuilding Together really brings the community together," Palmer continued, "and the house captains really quickly find that Rebuilding Day isn't just another day of work. The look on the faces of the homeowners when a project is completed," Palmer continued, "is just one of the rewards they receive.

"Rebuilding Day also offers contractors a special day where they're not in competition with each other but provide the leadership necessary to help less fortunate individuals refurbish their homes," he added. "It's very gratifying."

Palmer emphasized that one of the main reasons contractors get involved as house captains is because "they're helping people who are their neighbors.

"We had 20 requests for assistance this year," Palmer stated, "but unfortunately some of the applicants didn't qualify and securing enough house captains also limits the number of homeowners we can assist each year on Rebuilding Day. It's a wonderful opportunity for contractors to give something back to the community and we're hopeful they'll once again step up to the plate and volunteer.

"Each year the contractors come through for us," Palmer concluded. "I'm so thankful for the generosity and great sacrifice they make so we can help low-income, elderly and disabled homeowners live in warmth, safety and independence."

Rebuilding Together, established in 1988, is a national nonprofit with a network of nearly 250 affiliates across the United States. Rebuilding Together's mission is to preserve affordable housing by bringing volunteers and communities together to rehabilitate the homes of low-income homeowners.

In 2007, 91,000 homes were repaired nationwide by 270,000 volunteers in 1,800 communities including Crestline, Twin Peaks, Running Springs and Lake Arrowhead.

Contractors interested in serving as Rebuilding Day 2008 house captains on April 26 should contact the Rebuilding Together office at 909-336-3910.