Rebuilding Together NYC conducted three projects this past fall for the benefit of elderly military widows living in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. Repairs included renovation of a decrepit bedroom, installation of molding and drywall, and installation of a climate control system. In-kind donors and collaborators included Cauldwell Wingate Construction Inc., Youth Action Programs & Homes, and Bob Mims Heating & Air Conditioning.

On November 1st, volunteers from Macy’s, Columbia Business School, and NYU revamped a Catholic Charities Thrift Store in the South Bronx. Macy’s generously sponsored the project and lent a hand with what they do best – store design and layout. “We love the opportunity to bring our expertise to the broader community,” said Beatriz Ruiz, Macy’s store designer and RT NYC Board Member.

“This day makes me proud to be an AETNA employee” said Miguel Centeno, VP at AETNA, as he watched his colleagues paint, install a drop ceiling, and construct a storage area at the Mosholu Montefiore Community Center in the Northern Bronx. 30 AETNA employees, plus volunteers from the community, pitched in to rehab the 50-year-old facility that serves over 20,000 Bronx residents per year.

Rebuilding Together NYC performed two projects this fall for homeowners through Home Depot grants. One was for a single mother with two autistic children in Queens, and another was for an elderly widow with a daughter and three grandchildren in the Bronx. At the single mother’s home RT NYC installed a fence to keep her children safe while they play, and in the Bronx RT NYC installed a new roof and renovated a kitchen. “The kitchen was literally sinking, and we were able to shore it up and install new base cabinetry and countertops. It was a wonderful thing” said David Myers, Program Director at OAI Inc., a training program in the trades that regularly collaborates with RT NYC.

In November, twelve volunteers from Bovis Lend Lease as well as a contingent of volunteers from Columbia University worked at Greenhope Services for Women, a transitional housing facility for women coming out of difficult circumstances. The scope included installation of energy efficient lighting, installation of low flow showerheads and sink aerators, and painting. “We have worked with Rebuilding Together NYC throughout the years, and we are glad to be giving back,” said Bill Rossiter, VP at Bovis.