Below are commonly asked questions regarding our program and the services we provide. If you have additional questions, please contact us here or give us a call at (410) 381-3338.

What is Rebuilding Together Howard County (RTHC)?

Rebuilding Together is the leading national volunteer organization that rehabilitates houses of low-income homeowners, particularly the elderly and/or disabled as well as community spaces that serve these individuals so that they may continue to live in warmth, safety and independence. Rebuilding Together Howard County is the local chapter of the national organization, which was founded in 1991. Rebuilding Together Howard County provides repairs to community spaces and homes in Howard County with a mission of repairing homes, revitalizing communities and rebuilding lives.

Is this a government program?

No, Rebuilding Together Howard County is not a government program. It is a private, non-profit, volunteer organization.

What are the qualifications or guidelines for acceptance into the program?

  • You must own your home
  • The home must be located in Howard County
  • Average income of those served is $30,000
  • You must have homeowner’s insurance
  • You must be current on mortgage and taxes
  • Your home must be worth less than $400,000
  • You can only receive one major repair every two years from RTHC

How are the houses chosen for this program?

Rebuilding Together Howard County receives applications from homeowners throughout the year who are referred by various groups and individuals — Office on Aging, senior citizen centers, churches, community organizations, even neighbors who hear of the program and wish to help their neighbor. The applications are reviewed by a committee chosen by the Rebuilding Together Howard County Board of Directors. The committee consists of employees and individuals who have a background in home building, architecture, housing needs, accessibility, etc. After reviewing the applications, the committee will select potential recipients and then make an appointment with the homeowners to visit each house for a visual inspection of the work needed and to interview the homeowner. The committee then makes its final selection and the homeowners are then notified to whether their house has been chosen or not.

What is the cost to me?

There is no cost at all to the recipient. All of the individuals who work on the house are volunteering their time and the building materials and supplies are paid through private and corporate donations.

Who will work on my house?

Depending on the scope of the repairs, volunteers and/or professional contractors will be working on your home. Rebuilding Together Howard County will work with you to coordinate when the repairs will take place and who will be completing them.

When is the work done?

Rebuilding Together Howard County completes repair projects year-round with an Urgent Repair Program created to handle emergency repairs. The last Saturday in April is our national day of service called ‘Rebuilding Day’ where we complete a number of repair projects with the help of our sponsors, house captains and volunteers. Repair projects are evaluated depending on the urgency, scope of repairs and funding available.

What do I do while the work is being done?

We ask that you are present during the repair project in case there are any questions.

Why am I being asked to sign a release of information from?

Your signature on the “Consent to Release Information” form allows Rebuilding Together to work collaboratively with other area agencies to provide the most effective and comprehensive services available to you. You are not obligated to sign this form, and if there is no signature, it will not negatively affect your potential as an RT candidate. It is solely for your benefit to provide you with the best that Howard County can offer to you.

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