Rebuilding Together project in Millington demonstrates ‘power of a community working together for a common purpose’

MILLINGTON — Over the past year, Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore has been working alongside volunteers from the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown on what has become one of the largest and most meaningful projects in the organization’s history.

According to RTES Executive Director Genevieve Croker, this project in the Millington area is far more than a repair job; it is a true restoration focused on helping one of our neighbors safely return home.

During the COVID pandemic, Bessie Ortiz, now 85, was forced to move out of the home she’d lived in since the early 1970s. It’s the place where she and her late husband raised their children.

While the home was vacant, animals entered the property and caused extensive damage that left the house uninhabitable.

“What began as an effort to help stabilize the property quickly grew into a major community undertaking involving countless volunteer hours, donated materials and an incredible amount of teamwork,” Croker said.

While there were unexpected obstacles, including a stressful few days when Rebuilding Together feared the well had literally run dry at the site, the joy in Ortiz’s voice on Saturday, July 18 was evident.

Following some final touches by the Presbyterian Church volunteers that morning, Ortiz, members of her family and her pastor arrived to join in a blessing and a meal.

“One of the highlights of the day was listening to Mrs. Ortiz and her daughters talk about having a family Thanksgiving here for the first time in years,” said Andrew Wright, a Rebuilding Together board member who, along with his wife Sarah, contributed several of the 569 hours volunteers devoted to this project since July of last year.

This project would not be possible without the generosity of supporters and partners, according to Croker.

Grants from the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust and the Rural Maryland Council, as well as significant donations from the Presbyterian Church’s Mission Committee and individual congregants, allowed Rebuilding Together to buy materials and bring in licensed contractors for specialized work, “ensuring the incredible volunteers could focus their energy where they make the greatest impact,” according to Croker.

In addition to labor, community members also donated “major items” including kitchen cabinetry and appliances.

“These contributions have made an enormous difference and demonstrate the power of a community working together for a common purpose,” Croker said.

“Projects like this remind us why Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore exists,” a news release states. “They also highlight the growing need in our community and the importance of volunteers, skilled tradespeople, donors and partners who are willing to step forward and help. With continued support, this local organization can keep taking on projects that truly change lives, going beyond house repairs to helping restore stability, dignity and community.”

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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.