Rebuilding Together (National Office)

A resident of the metropolitan Chicago area, Janika moved into her home in 2019 and was struggling to keep up with repairs while working full-time and helping take care of her aging father. Then, Janika lost her job. When her roof started leaking, it put her at risk of mold and mildew growth, electrical issues and structural damage in her home. It became impossible to live normally with this leaking roof hanging over her head. Last National Rebuilding Month, a team of volunteers helped Janika by repairing the leak. Now, Janika can move freely through her home, use her kitchen without fear of electric shock and continue to care for her aging father in a safe and dry environment. Janika and her father are doing much better now. And because of Rebuilding Together’s impact on their lives, Janika has decided to get involved as a volunteer: “I just want to get involved and help pay it forward. We have to take care of the elderly and each other.”

David was a Vietnam War veteran living with disabilities in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Because of his disability, David hadn’t been able to leave his home for almost three years. After Rebuilding Together installed a ramp, David was able to safely exit his home. The impact this simple repair had on David and Lisha was deep and meaningful - they got to enjoy David’s last few months together. Lisha recalls them spending time together outside, breathing in the fresh air and drinking cups of coffee. “These past few months were the best David had in his entire life," said Lisha about her late husband.