CHESTERTOWN — Hammers were swinging and the spirit of community was soaring across Kent and Queen Anne’s counties in April when Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore harnessed the energy and enthusiasm of a group of hardworking volunteers to celebrate National Rebuilding Month, turning four dwellings into safer, healthier homes for local neighbors.
In Worton, a single mother now has more than just a fence. She gained the peace of mind that comes with watching her children play safely.
Near Crumpton, a senior neighbor traded fear for freedom as a group from Eastern Shore Indivisible installed an aluminum wheelchair ramp, replacing a treacherous entryway.
“ESI Cares, our volunteer arm, was truly invigorated by our first partnership with Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore during National Rebuilding Month,” said ESI community outreach co-leader Nicki Meoli.
“Our entire membership supported the team of 12 who met and worked alongside our homeowner to build a ramp, tear down a pool/deck and perform general yard cleanup,” Meoli said.
In addition to the labor performed, a friendship was forged that will not be forgotten, according to Meoli.
Collectively during National Rebuilding Month, 27 volunteers poured more than 100 hours of labor into the community, proving that when neighbors help neighbors, the results are life-changing.
“A safe and healthy home is foundational to physical and mental well-being,” said RTES Executive Director Genevieve Croker.
“We hope that when people see these excellent results, they share the word. No one should have to struggle alone to maintain their home,” she added.
The ripple effect is already in motion, according to Croker.
One grateful homeowner, who received both a ramp and a new screen door, said, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything. The ramp is a big help [and] I love my screen door. People have been stopping by, saying how good it looks.”
She has handed out applications for Rebuilding Together’s services to others in her neighborhood.
To cap off the month, volunteers and homeowners — about 50 folks altogether — gathered at the Crumpton Volunteer Fire Department event hall to share a meal and celebrate their successes.
“This mission is a massive team effort,” Croker said.
Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore extended its deepest gratitude to the partners who made National Rebuilding Month possible: the CVFD board of directors for donating the space; Wegmans in Abingdon for donating a lunch; and the Chestertown Rotary Club for sponsoring two of the four projects completed in April.
While National Rebuilding Month in April is a highlight, the work never stops.
Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore provides critical home repairs and accessibility modifications year-round. This vital work is sustained by the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust, the Rural Maryland Council and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alongside the generosity of private donors and local businesses.
If you are a contractor, the organization always is seeking new vendors. For information on how to submit bids for these projects, call 410-778-4544 or email info@rteasternshore.org.
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Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore’s mission is “repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives.”
The nonprofit leverages gifts of time, money, skill and labor to repair and rehabilitate homes for income-eligible seniors, veterans, those living with disabilities and families with children in Kent and Queen Anne’s counties.
All work is done at no cost to homeowners who meet the eligibility criteria.
This is an equal opportunity program.
RTES is dedicated to ending substandard housing.
Learn more at rebuildingtogethereasternshore.org.
