National Rebuilding Month – April 2023

History of National Rebuilding Month

National Rebuilding Month, which runs through the month of April, is an annual activity spearheaded by Rebuilding Together. It calls upon volunteers and donors to assist low-income families and other persons in need to rebuild and renovate their homes. This ensures better living conditions.

The seeds of National Rebuilding Month were sowed in Midland, Texas in 1973. A small group of people recognized the plight of their fellow neighbors who were living in houses that were in desperate need of repairs. These people were not financially able to carry out the job themselves. Thus, they would dedicate the entire month of April to refurbishing, repairing, and renovating these homes. They would help improve the homes of the less fortunate members of their communities. These rebuilding efforts include repairing the foundations of the homes, landscaping, weatherproofing, disaster preparation, painting, accessibility modifications, and more.

Their actions would later catch on nationwide, spurring similar activities in various cities and towns throughout the United States. It would culminate in the formation of Rebuilding Together in 1988. They have since dedicated themselves to improving homes across the nation, attracting up to 100,000 volunteers and completing no less than 10,000 projects every year. They serve families, disaster victims, displaced veterans, and seniors. The refurbishment efforts are done at no cost to the homeowners. The strength and longevity of the movement are made possible by the help of volunteers lending their skills to the cause, along with donations from sponsors, businesses, schools, and the public. The fact that the movement is still prevalent after all these years showcases the willingness of Americans to help their fellow man in times of need. National Rebuilding Month concludes with National Rebuilding Day, which takes place on the last Saturday in April.