Rebuilding Together, making a big impact on Cleveland neighborhoods

CLEVELAND - Cleveland's Kinsman neighborhood is getting a big lift this week, as more than 400 volunteers from Rebuilding Together gather to make improvements at 19 area homes.

Volunteers from Progressive Insurance launched the project at a home that's been owned by Elmo Crawford for the past 35 years. The house on Cleveland's east side received a fresh coat of paint, new landscaping and the front fence was given a face lift.

The effort made Elmo Crawford smile, as he talked with NewsChannel5 Troubleshooter Joe Pagonakis.

"I think it's wonderful, because look at how they are bringing up the neighborhood," said Crawford. "It's really nice, everybody here is blessed to have them."

This is the 6th year Rebuilding Together has organized an effort in Cleveland.  Ward 5 Councilwoman Phyllis Cleveland told NewsChannel5 the organization is making a difference during this tough post housing crisis era.

"People have lost equity, they can't repair their homes, they can't maintain them," said Cleveland. "So when people like Rebuilding Together Cleveland come together, and pick a project, it has a huge impact."

The groups major effort will take place July 28, as volunteers from local companies, block clubs, churches, and community development corporations, gather to improve and entire neighborhood.

NewsChannel5 will also have volunteers working on the scene, as part of its Building Better Neighborhoods initiative.

Rebuilding Together Cleveland President, Joe Ward, stressed the importance of residents taking an active role in making their neighborhoods a better place to live. Carr believes Rebuilding Together gives homeowners the opportunity to get involved.

"Our mission here in Cleveland is to make sure people have affordable, safe and healthy housing," said Carr.

More information on Rebuilding Together, can be found on its national website. Information on how you can get involved with the July 28 volunteer effort, can be found on the Rebuilding Together Cleveland website.

Meanwhile, NewsChannel5 invites residents to volunteer in their communities, and report vacant homes in their neighborhoods through its Building Better Neighborhoods initiative, click here for more information.