Twenty homes to get free house repairs in 'Rebuilding Together' program

SOUTH BEND, Ind.--- Twenty homes have been selected from the northwest side of South Bend for this year's batch of free home repairs through Rebuilding Together St. Joseph County.

One of those homes belongs to Chuckery and Idella Hughley, who have lived in the same house for more than 40 years.

"There are people who are in need on this side of town," Idella said. "As we're starting to age, we can't always do it ourselves."

The program used to be called "Christmas in April," but has since been renamed "Rebuilding Together St. Joseph County." For the 36th year, qualifying families have been selected for free house repairs, helping the disabled and the elderly stay in their homes.

"I've got electrical, plumbing, and HVAC issues that are going to be dealt with," Chuck said.

Sadly, Chuck suffered a brain tumor, and although it was removed, it prevents him from being able to maintain his home. Their house was chosen as the backdrop for this year's Rebuilding Together kickoff.

"We focus on the elderly, the disabled, and veterans in the community who otherwise couldn't afford these repairs," said Andre Waddell, president of Rebuilding Together.

The nonprofit partners with the City of South Bend to identify target areas for community block grant dollars. Qualifying homeowners are then urged to apply. This year, they've chosen South Bend's northwest side and selected 20 homes for free repairs in the Keller Park and Marquette Park neighborhoods.

"Sometimes, you know, a leaky faucet could lead to, you know, much broader damage, such as floor damage, or it could lead to foundation damage. So, when we're making those small repairs, they generally help make sure that we're sustaining the whole house," Waddell said.

The intention, he said, is to help keep homeowners in their homes.

"Studies have shown that folks who actually live in their homes, and their house is sustainable, and they have heating and plumbing and all their needs are met, they tend to thrive, and they tend to be in a better position from a health perspective," he said.

"It matters to the neighborhood," Idella said, "because it brings your home up to standard, and then you can stay in your home longer."

It's only possible because of volunteers, particularly those from the local trades, like the IBEW 153, a partner of Rebuilding Together since its inception.

"It's the joy of giving. We've been fortunate in the building trades that we've had some good times; we all know that sometimes people need a hand up. That's part of our mission, to help everybody," said Michael Leda, IBEW 153 business manager. "That's the main thing, is that we're updating them, the safety, we feel comfortable when we leave the house that we know it's in good shape."

There are two volunteer days for those interested in being a part of Rebuilding Together. Trades Day is Saturday, April 12, and Community Volunteer Day is Saturday, April 26.

Those interested in Community Volunteer Day can simply show up at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of the former Brown Intermediate School, now the South Bend Schools admin building, at 737 W. Beale St.

More information can be found at rebuildingtogethersjc.org.

Since the program started in 1989, more than 1,000 homes have been rehabbed, with more than $12 million in repairs.