Rebuilding Together Baltimore repairs over 30 homes

DUNDALK, Md. - Volunteers are digging up the old, putting weeds in trash bags and hauling them away.  New paint is placed on a church sign in the Colgate community of Dundalk and mulch makes the entrance look brand new.

"I think it's very important to help out those that need the help, and we're more than happy to provide it," said Chuck Svoboda, a volunteer. 

The help is much needed at the Woods' home down the street.  Navy veteran William Woods and his daughter qualified for Rebuilding Together Baltimore to move in for a day. 

They are low income and the home is over 50 years old.

"We can't do as well as we once did because my father is 87 and he used to do all the repairs himself," said Cheryl Woods.   

They are getting a new kitchen in about a day.  Over 800 volunteers with Rebuilding Together are leaving their marks on 31 homes in Baltimore City and County.

Their skills range from plumbing to electrical work and installing a new kitchen.

"The value is close to $300-400,000 if you add it all up. If we actually had to hire contractors or hire landscaping crews to do this type of work it would cost us in the hundreds of thousands of dollars," said Bonnie Bessor, Executive Director, Rebuilding Together Baltimore.     

But to St. Peter Lutheran Church and the Woods family it's free.  After a seven-hour day on Saturday, the community gets some TLC. 

"It means a lot to come to the same place that looks nice and actually operates correctly," said Svoboda.    

Rebuilding Together Baltimore works all year to help low-income families.  This year, the organization will assist 75 homeowners who need repairs.