About Us

Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit, community-based partnership of volunteers from local government, businesses, and other nonprofits, that rehabilitate the homes of low-income homeowners and improve neighborhoods.

On two April Saturdays each year, approximately 1,200 skilled and unskilled volunteers join together to make repairs to about 25 homes in a selected St. Joseph County neighborhood.  All repairs are completed at no cost to the homeowner.

History

In 1972 a group of volunteers in Midland, Texas, decided to devote one day in April to repairing and sprucing up the homes of their low-income, disabled, and elderly neighbors. "Why, this is like Christmas in April," they were told. The spirit of giving spread to local affiliates across the country.

Christmas in April * St. Joseph County began in 1989. Following the lead of the national organization, the local Board of Directors voted to change its name to Rebuilding Together, St. Joseph County in 2002. Over the organization's history, more than 37,000 volunteers have donated their time and skills to rehabilitate 797 homes, with repairs valued at $10 million, in South Bend.

Board of Directors

Melanie McDonald, President
University of Notre Dame Law School

Jim Scheetz, Vice President
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 172

Iris Outlaw, Secretary
University of Notre Dame
Multicultural Student Programs & Services

Laurence R. Bauer, Treasurer
Past President Rebuilding Together
1st Source Bank

Kevin Bell, Board Member
The Sherwin-Williams Company

Blake Burgess, Board Member
Crowe Horwath

Carolyne Call, Board Member
Saint Mary’s College

Alyssia Coates, Board Member
University of Notre Dame
Upward Bound Program

George Efta, Board Member
Past President Rebuilding Together

Don Fozo, Board Member
MACIAF

Dan Garnett, Board Member
Hilti Corporation

Susan Griffin, Board Member
Holy Cross Village

Erick Guerra, Board Member
Raitt Corporation

Ray Leliaert, Board Member
South Bend Tribune (retired)

Jim Roemer, Emeritus Board Member
University of Notre Dame (retired)

Rick Rozenboom, Board Member
Past President Rebuilding Together
1st Source Bank

Jackie Rucker, Board Member
University of Notre Dame
Community Relations

John Speybroeck, Board Member
Honeywell

Cathy Toppel, Board Member
City of South Bend
Department of Code Enforcement

Bob Wolf, Board Member

Staff

Michael Divita
Jeff Young