Rebuilding Together AmeriCorps Program Takes Part in MLK Day of Service

News provided by

Jan 16, 2012, 06:17 ET

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rebuilding Together will host Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps members as they travel to Pittsburgh to take part in the celebration of the MLK Day of Service on January 16.

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

The Rebuilding Together's CapacityCorps, an AmeriCorps program, has 60 members serving with 30 Rebuilding Together affiliates in order to increase programming, impact and capacity across the country. The entire Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps team will work with the Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh affiliate to perform critical home repair services in the community in honor of the MLK Day of Service.

The Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps will be working in Pittsburgh's Homewood North neighborhood. Homewood has suffered from high vacancy rates due to a dramatic decrease in population and businesses. Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh and the Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps are completing major repairs to over a dozen Homewood North homes, including roof repairs and critical interior work. The services performed will allow homeowners to remain in their homes, decreasing the likelihood of additional vacancy, and increasing overall neighborhood revitalization.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a National Day of Service and an opportunity for Americans to honor his legacy through community service. The MLK Day of Service provides the means in which to get involved. This National Day of Service is led by the Corporation for National and Community Service, with projects occurring across the country.

"The MLK Day of Service is an ideal avenue for the Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps members to deliver high-impact work to a neighborhood in need, in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s commitment to community and opportunity," said Jessica Oh, Rebuilding Together senior director of Affiliate Relations. "The CapacityCorps program believes the best way to honor Dr. King is through service and volunteering in our communities."

Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps increases the capacity of Rebuilding Together affiliates by focusing on community outreach, project implementation, and volunteer recruitment. The CapacityCorps fosters the education and advancement of our nation's future housing leaders and allows additional low-income homeowners and families to experience the lasting effects of a Rebuilding Together rehabilitated home.

The Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, a President's Circle Sponsor of Rebuilding Together, provides funding for the Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps program. Their commitment has provided Rebuilding Together CapacityCorps members multiple service opportunities.

About Rebuilding Together
Rebuilding Together is the nation's leading nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize neighborhoods by providing extensive rehabilitation and modification services to those in need at no cost to those served. With the help of everyday citizen volunteers, skilled trades people, the support of local business and major corporate partners, Rebuilding Together affiliates in America's largest cities and smallest towns make life considerably better for thousands of low‐income homeowners and the communities in which they live by completing 10,000 projects per year. Rebuilding Together has programs dedicated to, energy efficiency, veteran's housing, aging in place and gulf coast reconstruction. www.RebuildingTogether.org.

SOURCE Rebuilding Together