Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps Program Enters Fifth Year

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Aug 21, 2012, 02:03 ET

WASHINGTON, Aug. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rebuilding Together, a national nonprofit who believes in a safe and healthy home for every person, was awarded a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) to continue the AmeriCorps program Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090421/REBUILDINGLOGO )

Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps is a National*Direct AmeriCorps program with 65 full-time members serving in 35 local affiliates in 19 states. Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps members build the capacity of grassroots Rebuilding Together programs so that they become sustainable, effective and efficient in helping additional low-income homeowners in need. As developing housing preservation leaders, these AmeriCorps members serve essential roles in building the capacity of their host sites in areas such as recruiting and managing volunteers, performing direct home repairs, building community partnerships, and creating new programs.

The 2012-13 CapacityCorps program marks the fifth consecutive year Rebuilding Together has received AmeriCorps Funding. Through the support of CNCS over the past five years, Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps members have helped repair over 14,000 low-income homes with the support of 56,000 volunteers.

"I have gained a new understanding of the housing difficulties in our country, but also of the solutions we can provide for these issues," said Chloe Morel, two-term AmeriCorps member at Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley. "To me, CapacityCorps is a life-changing experience in itself. I have connected with other AmeriCorps members, who I am confident will be the next generation of housing leaders."

August 15, 2012 marked the first day of service for Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps members at their local affiliates. They will serve more than 1,600 homeowners this year by providing critical repairs and modifications to returning and disabled veterans, low-income families in need, and older Americans needing assistance with aging in place.

To learn more about Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps program, visit www.RebuildingTogether.org/capacitycorps

ABOUT REBUILDING TOGETHER

Rebuilding Together believes that everyone deserves to live in a safe and healthy home. Our focus provides critical repairs, accessibility modifications and energy efficient upgrades to low-income homes and community centers at no cost to service recipients. Our impact extends beyond the individuals served to revitalize and stabilize vulnerable neighborhoods and communities across the country. Our 200 local affiliates complete 10,000 rebuild projects a year thanks to the efforts of nearly 200,000 volunteers from corporate partners, skilled trades professionals and everyday good citizens. Join us — visit www.RebuildingTogether.org. You can also follow Rebuilding Together on Twitter @rebldgtogthr or become a fan on Facebook at Facebook.com/RebuildingTogether.

SOURCE Rebuilding Together