Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay Reconstructs Four Homes in Hillsborough County

Tampa, FL, January 23, 2019 --(PR.com)-- From the foundation to the roof, Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay (RTTB) is reconstructing four homes in Hillsborough County at no cost to the homeowners, who include two elderly women, a U.S. Army veteran, and the mother of an adult son with disabilities. RTTB is one of Tampa’s top nonprofit developers of affordable housing, dedicated to rebuilding and revitalizing communities in Tampa Bay. The reconstruction work is funded by Hillsborough County’s Affordable Housing Services Department.

On Tuesday, January 29, 2019, from 10 AM to 11 AM, the media is invited to tour one of the sites under construction, 611 S. Howard Street in Plant City, to learn more about RTTB’s Reconstruction Program and how it is helping to enhance the health and safety of low-income homeowners and their families.

What: Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay’s Reconstruction Program

Who: RTTB Executive Director Jose Garcia, Department Director Cheryl Howell from Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services, and the homeowner will be on site for interviews

When: Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Where: 611 S. Howard Street, Plant City, FL 33563

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

RTTB Executive Director Jose Garcia said, “We’re able to offer low-income homeowners and their families, who cannot afford to make home improvements and are living in unsafe conditions, a unique opportunity to rebuild their homes from the foundation. These houses are reconstructed with the idea that future generations will have a safe, healthy place to live. We thank the Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners and the Affordable Housing Services Department for the opportunity given to these deserving homeowners.”

Cheryl Howell, Department Director of Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services, said, “Quality, affordable housing is a key element of a strong and secure Hillsborough County. It is hard to argue that access to safe and decent housing is not a fundamental human need. Hillsborough County Affordable Housing Services develops housing opportunities through a number of strategic partnerships, with nonprofit and for-profit organizations for low- and moderate-income families. Our staff remains committed to working in tandem with agencies such as Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay to reach our goals of improving lives and creating opportunities where everyone can live in a community where we all prosper.”

The four homeowners initially applied to RTTB for help with home repairs. To qualify for assistance, the homeowners must live in Hillsborough County, be current with all taxes and mortgage payments, and meet income requirements.

When RTTB staff surveyed the homes, they found significant structural damage and determined that repairs alone would not sufficiently address it. All four homes will be demolished and rebuilt to ensure that they are healthy, safe, energy-efficient, and accessible. The homeowners pay no out-of-pocket expenses for the reconstruction work.

About Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay:
Rebuilding Together Tampa Bay (RTTB) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides critical home repairs, accessibility modifications, and energy-efficient upgrades for homeowners in need. RTTB primarily works with low-income families, veterans, the elderly, victims of disasters, and persons with disabilities. The organization also constructs new affordable housing, known for homes that not only reflect the character of the community but also have the same quality of design and features as market-rate housing. RTTB relies on the support of corporate sponsors, public grants, individual donors, and the hands-on work of hundreds of volunteers and skilled labor each year. Founded in 2000, RTTB has rehabilitated more than 500 homes in the Tampa Bay area, providing a total value of more than $4 million in improvements. For more information, visit www.rttb.org.