The name may have changed, but the purpose is still the same.
Rebuilding Together of Oakland County, a nonprofit organization formerly known as Christmas in April, has been holding monthly meetings in preparation for their project day of April 30, 2005.
At that time, they will repair homes of low income, elderly, and disabled homeowners throughout the county, including here in Ortonville.
Rob Chambers, the Ortonville chairperson for the organization, said Rebuilding Together is a national nonprofit organization, which helps to remodel homes throughout the country.
‘They were trying to get more people involved,? he said. ‘The Oakland County branch has a meeting every month in Milford.?
Chambers said the program is geared toward ‘fixed-income people, young or old.? He said those people whose homes are in need of repair and who would like some assistance should pick up an application from the Brandon Townshp Clerk’s Office, 395 Mill St., Ortonville.
From that point, the organization will interview applicants to assess their situation. Last year, the Christmas in April organization repaired two homes on Glass Road in Ortonville, with the assistance of about 80 people.
Chambers said ‘the generosity of banks, churches, and civic groups’in Ortonville helps ensure the repairs are free, at no cost to the homeowner.
Brandon Township Clerk Jeannie McCreery said applications are also available at her office for volunteers as well as homeowners.
She said in the past, she has recruited Brandon High School students in need of filling some community service hours for the National Honor Society.
‘It’s a lot of work, but it’s been good for them,? he said.
McCreery said the organization has a ‘good base of volunteers? who are asked to ‘do what you can do best? as far as using their skills to help repair the homes.
She said many variables are taken into consideration when the local chapter determines how many homes they can repair on project day.
‘A lot depends on the scope of the work,? McCreery said.
Details: (248) 889-5450.