"Being part of the Rebuilding Together program helps me believe that there is
more good than bad in the world."
Homeowner Carol Belton

RESOURCE GUIDE

Because of our limited resources, RTP is not able to help all of the homeowners that apply for our program each year. This Resource Guide has contact information for other local agencies that may be able to help.

The typical RTP volunteer returns year after year energized by the connection he or she develops with the homeowners and their families. 

THE SPICERS – 2005 RTP HOMEOWNERS

Sandy and Garnet Spicer were sorely in need of a new roof on the Southwest Philadelphia home where they have lived for 20 years. Every time it rained, they brought out the buckets and umbrellas so they could stay somewhat dry. The Spicers are not only RTP homeowners, but also Community Partners. As the founders of Families are Victims Too, they have been working closely with RTP volunteers to transform an abandoned house into the offices for their community support center.

“Living out loud” describes the Spicers' philosophy of life. They exude wisdom and vitality. Although they have been married for 37 years, they act like newlyweds and still discover new things about each other every day. Garnet is the “MacGyver” of the pair, putting his experience in construction and as a mechanic to extensive use in the rehabilitation project. Sandy is the “people person,” on call 24/7 to counsel grieving families, organize outings for neighborhood youth, or connect young adults to summer jobs. Or is it Garnet who is the people person? He is eloquent on the subject of the conditions of the neighborhood and inspires all who listen to take action to help prevent youth violence. Having lost two sons and a daughter to street crime, their insight comes from firsthand experience of the resulting sadness, fear, confusion, and anger. Recognizing that meaningful interaction and community involvement are necessary to the healing process, they have created a program that uses a holistic approach to healing.

THE MCCUES – 2002 RTP HOMEOWNERS

Former police lieutenant Joe McCue is living with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD). He needs to use a wheelchair to get around, which is especially difficult because his home in Glenside is 10 feet above street level. To add “insult to injury,” prior to becoming a RTP homeowner, the McCues' home had been heavily damaged by one of the tropical storms that swept through the area. The economic and emotional impact of RSD as well as the flood damage pushed Joe, his wife Dawn, and two teenage children to their limits.

To help the McCues, RTP volunteers built an accessibility ramp to circumvent the ten-foot drop to the street. They raised the front porch so that it became level with the front door. They patched and painted to offset water damage, landscaped the yard, and made the back garden an accessible respite on sunny days. Joe can now move around his property and come and go from the house without relying on his family for assistance. This is particularly important because Joe is a very active member of the community. He raises awareness of RSD on a national level and testifies on the legitimate and responsible use of drugs by people experiencing chronic pain.

"They all worked so hard and whistled and had fun while helping us. I can't come up with a word to show how thankful we are, however, we are overwhelmed at the kindness we have seen."
Homeowner Joe McCue

Read about more homeowners.

Interested in receiving an application?  Call 215.568.5044.