Thanks to the following organizations that have partnered with Rebuilding Together Philadephia on projects in past program years:

Our third Block Build in the spring of 2010 (the second in Germantown) was sponsored by Popular Mechanics. The magazine's publisher approached RTP after its amazing experience with Rebuilding Together New Orleans in 2009 which featured AmeriCorps volunteers. Having been converted to an RT fan, Popular Mechanics sought another affiliate with which to partner and demonstrate its commitment to communities to its readers. A series of collaborative brainstorming sessions led to a one-of-a-kind project that just might change the way RTP works with communities in the future. Popular Mechanics and RTP are helping a neighborhood "go green." Historically, low-income homeowners have had little access to information and resources regarding energy efficiency, and traditionally do not engage in behaviors that promote such efficiency. In fact, it is estimated that low-income homeowners spend 20% of their income on utility costs. In short, the "green revolution" has yet to trickle down to low-income neighborhoods where daily changes may have the highest impact, stretching limited resources further.

Through this Block Build three homeowners received significant energy-efficient upgrades such as a solar hot water heater. To be a catalyst for greening an entire block and ensuring the highest level of participation, volunteers helped as many homeowners on the block that were interested in participating, though at varying degrees, and provided the tools and education to lead to ongoing change and cost savings. RTP identified a list of potential interior and exterior energy-efficient upgrades. Popular Mechanics published an extended article about this project in the fall of 2010, featuring this experience and encouraging their readers to feel confident and competent in taking on similar projects. The Block Build culminated in a Rebuilding Day in June featuring the hands-on participation of magazine and advertiser employees.

PREIT/Portfolio Marketing Group

Volunteers from Portfolio Marketing Group, the in-house advertising agency for Center City based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), offered their pro bono services to RTP in 2008 and 2009. Portfolio Marketing Group developed a marketing plan that focused on recruiting volunteer teams and skilled volunteers and heightened our presence in the Philadelphia community in 2009 through an awareness campaign to the general public. Most notably, they helped us take advantage of our most successful PR opportunity, the chance to be featured on HGTV's website and a national television program. We won! PREIT owns and manages more than 35 million square feet of retail space in 13 states, including Cherry Hill Mall, Willow Grove Park, The Gallery at Market East, Exton Square, Voorhees Town Center, Plymouth Meeting Mall, Springfield Mall, Cumberland Mall and Moorestown Mall.

HGTV

Change the World. Start at Home^SM is HGTV's community revitalization and environmental education campaign in partnership with Rebuilding Together, the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

The Philadelphia project was a transformative experience for all involved, including the neighbors surrounding the row house in Frankford that is operated by the Pennsylvania American Legion Housing for Homeless Veterans Corp. In May and June 2009, volunteers significantly enhanced the living environment for veterans working to make a successful transition to independence.

One of RTP's mantras is “under promise, over deliver.” Although expectations for this partnership were quite high, they were far exceeded:

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Opus East, LLC, a full service real estate developer, has been a supporter of RTP for several years. Its $35,000 sponsorship in 2008-2009, reflected a significant jump in both financial and volunteer resources. The year before, Opus East collaborated with “Gung Ho!” – a Dragon Boat team dedicated to supporting breast cancer survivors – to form a house management team (HMT). This HMT boasted a diversity of skills and talents, resulting in an incredibly comprehensive transformation for a North Philadelphia homeowner. In the spring/summer 2009, Opus East sponsored the Washeteria project at Face to Face. Volunteers createda place for people to take a shower and wash their clothes while getting a nutritious meal in Face to Face's the Dining Room, visiting its health center or legal clinic, or participating in the art or creative writing program.

This partnership was part of the Opus Corporate Foundation's long-standing support of the community. Community stewardship had been at the core of Opus since it was founded in 1953. Opus had always contributed 10% (compared to the national average of 1%) of its pretax profits and a tremendous number of employee volunteer hours to dozens of nonprofits. Across the U.S., Opus employees have teamed up with Rebuilding Together affiliates to repair homes, revitalize communities, and restore the lives of homeowners in need in Chicago (Opus North) and Sacramento (Opus West).