They Don’t Just Give for Home Repairs. They Give for Housing Justice
For Betsy and David Teutsch, supporting Rebuilding Together Philadelphia isn’t only about fixing roofs and floors. It’s about something bigger: economic fairness, neighborhood stability, and the future of a city they care deeply about.
Their connection to the work is practical and personal. Betsy has volunteered on a Block Build. The Teutsches have seen homeowners welcome volunteer crews into their houses. And over time, they have come to understand home repair not as a one-time service, but as part of a larger housing justice effort in Philadelphia.
“So lying asleep at night and wondering what you're going to do about your roof as you hear the dripping, you know, if I have alleviated somebody of that anxiety and worry, that makes me really happy.” -Betsy
Seeing the Bigger Picture
Betsy speaks plainly about why this work matters to her. She describes herself as “a 73-year-old white woman” who grew up sheltered from the realities many others face. That awareness shapes how she thinks about giving now.
She points to the people Rebuilding Together Philadelphia often serves: older adults, women of color, individuals living on fixed incomes in homes they can no longer afford to maintain. For Betsy, the issue is not abstract. Safe housing affects health, financial security, and daily stress. A leaking roof is not just a repair problem; it can mean sleepless nights, mounting costs, and constant worry.
David sees the same issue from the citywide level. Philadelphia’s aging housing stock, he says, creates serious risks. Without repair, homes deteriorate. Without intervention, neighborhoods can tip toward disinvestment or displacement. That belief is rooted in what they have witnessed: this work helps residents stay in their homes while also protecting entire blocks.
A Force for Change in the City They Love
During the conversation, Betsy and David describe Rebuilding Together Philadelphia as part of a long-term answer to structural inequality in the city.
Betsy connects the mission to larger questions of wealth and justice. She talks about the “lottery of life,” about who has resources and who does not, and about using philanthropy in a practical way to “balance the books in a more fair and just way.” David adds that when government support falls short, organizations doing this kind of repair and preservation work become even more important.
The Teutsches support also reflects a belief that housing repairs can change what happens on a block—something we know to be true and have the data to support.
Why They Trust the Work
Their confidence in the mission also comes from experience on the ground. Betsy brought her teenage great-nephew, Zeke, to a Block Build. He worked on building planter boxes with a master technician and “took so much pride” in learning quickly and contributing something lasting.
David remembered something else: the way homeowners were treated.
“Everybody had been trained to treat the owners with total respect and to recognize that, you know, we were in their home.”
David shares his “why” and being inspired to give to Rebuilding Together Philadelphia.
That mattered. So did the response from residents, whose appreciation was visible and immediate. For Betsy and David, respect, tangible results, and visible neighborhood impact all point to the same conclusion: this is effective work.
Looking Ahead
Betsy and David have included Rebuilding Together Philadelphia in their planned giving because they believe the need is not temporary. Philadelphia’s housing challenges are ongoing, and so is the need for stable support.
They are also clear about what they would tell others: give where you can see real impact and think about what your resources can do for the city around you.
Take Action
If this story speaks to you, there are practical ways to help strengthen housing justice in Philadelphia:
Volunteer for a Block Build and see the work up close.
Make a gift to support critical home repairs for longtime homeowners.
Consider making a planned gift to RTP – your legacy gift will help sustain neighborhood stabilization for the next generation.