The mission of Rebuilding Together Philadelphia is to prevent homelessness by partnering with the community to rehabilitate the homes of elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety, and independence.

The U.S. census indicates that there are more than 60,000 low-income homeowners in Philadelphia.  Many live in homes that were built more than 70 years ago.  Simple repair problems (left unattended due to lack of resources) escalate in to larger problems that expose homeowners and their families to health and safety risks. The need is great, but we can make a difference!

For 20 years, Rebuilding Together Philadelphia has been partnering with the community to rehabilitate the homes of elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety, and independence through programs and services, including:

Warm-Safe-Dry Repairs

1,000 skilled and general volunteers spend three to four weekends in March and April working alongside homeowners and their families to make essential home repairs, focusing on “warm, safe and dry” issues. In addition to the spring Rebuilding Days, volunteers complete a limited number of Rebuilding Days in the fall and winter.  They address urgent issues such as leaky roofs, unsanitary plumbing conditions, security problems, and homes without heat or hot water, which cannot wait until the spring.

Energy Efficiency

Weatherization always has been integral to RTP's home repair projects. Given strides in the development of energy efficient products as well as rising energy costs, however, RTP volunteers are taking even more steps to ensure that low-income homeowners have what they need to be as energy efficient as possible. This includes activities ranging from providing a houseful of CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs) to every homeowner to ensuring that every homeowner has a functioning heater and a sound roof. The results meet not only RTP's warm-safe-dry goals, but also help homeowners save on monthly utility bills, thereby freeing up their limited disposable income for other basic needs.

Home Modifications

Home modifications for elderly adults and people with disabilities are priorities in order to help adapt living spaces so homeowners can “age in place” and/or remain as mobile and independent as possible.  To make homes safer and more accessible, volunteers focus on installing grab bars, railings, levered doorknobs, and wheelchair ramps.  Worn stairs and floors are repaired.  Subtle hazards such as a misplaced extension cord or throw rug are identified and eliminated.