Hundreds of volunteers converge on local neighborhood to help

CLEVELAND - Nearly 300 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and went to work on Saturday to help elderly and low-income residents who can't afford to invest in the exterior rehabilitation of their homes.

Rebuilding Together Cleveland hosted their annual one day "Rebuilding Day" blitz to hep homeowners in the Heritage View neighborhood of the Cleveland. Volunteers provided basic improvements, accessibility modifications, exterior improvements and landscaping at 20 homes.

"It would have taken me much longer," said David Fox. His home was one that was selected to be spruced up. Rebuilding Together Cleveland partnered with the nonprofit Burten, Bell, Carr Development Corporation who selected the Heritage View neighborhood which is located between East 73rd and East 75th streets just south of Kinsman Road in Cleveland.

All the work done today was free of charge to homeowners because the group provides all of the labor,supplies and materials to the homeowners. Rebuilding Together receives funding for its programs from the donation of money and supplies made by the corporate community through the organization's year long fundraising efforts. A number of corporate sponsors are involved.

Besides the volunteers provide by sponsors, the group recruits volunteers from a variety of places like book clubs, churches, community development corporations, colleges, nonprofit agencies and professional organizations.

Several NewsChannel5 employees helped in the annual event on Saturday, including Troubleshooter Joe Pagonakis. "Working on 20 homes at once is quite a project," said Pagonakis.

If you would like more information about Rebuilding Together Cleveland visit their website at http://rebuildingtogethercleveland.org