Rebuilding Together National
Rebuilding Together is the leading national volunteer organization that, in partnership with local affiliates, rehabilitates the houses of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and disabled; so they may continue to live in warmth, safety, and independence.
In 1973, caring people in Midland, Texas, saw that many of their low- and fixed-income neighbors were living in homes with no hot water, electricity or indoor plumbing, and holes in their walls large enough to walk through. When they discovered that there weren't any programs to help these homeowners, they took action.
Taking their cue from the old barn-raising concept, they recruited volunteers to rehabilitate deteriorating homes in their community. The program got its name when one of the early recipients likened the help to having "Christmas in April."
By 1988, there were 13 loosely affiliated Christmas in April operations across the United States, including one in Washington, DC. As a result of national need, a national Christmas in April office was officially launched. Christmas in April-USA provided a focus for replicating our trademarked program in the form of affiliates across the United States. Today there are more than 245 programs operating in more than 770 cities and towns across America.
What are the reasons for the name change? The name change from Christmas in April to Rebuilding Together was done at both the national and local levels and positions us for future growth while retaining our focus on housing. The name "Rebuilding Together" better reflects the work we do, is more inclusive, and is less time-restrictive. However, our national rehabilitation activity will continue to be the National Rebuilding Day, which is held on the last Saturday in April. Does the name change mean that our mission has changed? The core values and mission of our organization have not changed, only the name has changed. We continue to build volunteer partnerships to rehabilitate homes of low-income, elderly, and disabled neighbors; so they can live in warmth, safety, and independence. Our partnership includes city governments, private businesses, skilled trades, community volunteers, and individual contributors.
