Who We Are

Rebuilding Together is the nation's leading nonprofit organization working to preserve affordable homeownership.

Rebuilding Together of South Lake County is one of over 200 local affiliates nationwide providing free rehabilitation and critical repairs to the homes of low-income Americans.

Locally, we've been serving low-income homeowners in South Lake County since 1995. We're an all-volunteer organization that donates our time and skills to make a difference in our community.

What We Do

Rebuilding Together believes in a safe and healthy home for every person. We believe that disabled and aging homeowners should be able to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

Therefore, we provide free home modifications and repairs to low-income homeowners, making homes safer, more accessible, and more energy efficient.

We accomplish this mission through a single Rebuilding Day each year. This one-day rebuilding blitz harnesses the donations of skills, materials, and funds to accomplish repairs on approximately ten to twelve homes in our host community during this single day.

We call this rebuilding day "Christmas in September", as it typically occurs on the third Saturday of the month.

How We Help

As the economic pressure on low-income families grows, more families are placed in the position of choosing between vital necessities and essential home repairs.

Rebuilding Together of South Lake County steps into this gap to ensure that families live in homes that are warm, safe, and dry.

Each year, we select approximately ten to twelve homeowners through an open application process that begins in January, with selection of homes taking place in July.  A variety of different repairs and modifications may be undertaken during Christmas in September, depending on the needs of the home. Our scope of work has included:

■ Energy-efficiency upgrades

■ Improving accessibility for disabled homeowners

■ Roofing repairs and replacement

■ Electrical service modifications and code compliance

Clients We Serve

Rebuilding Together of South Lake County serves our community by rotating each year between the towns of Lowell, Merrillville, Cedar Lake and Crown Point. We focus our efforts on one of these communities each year, helping homeowners who cannot perform basic home maintenance themselves.

Our typical clients include senior citizens, disabled individuals, single parents, military veterans and their families.

Help We Need

We are actively seeking House Sponsors, who through a generous monetary donation make this program possible. House sponsors are recognized in media coverage and promotions. All levels of donations are welcome!

Because rehabilitation and repairs require extensive amounts of materials, in-kind donations of building materials, tools, skilled labor, etc. are gratefully accepted.

We welcome both skilled and unskilled volunteers to participate in our Christmas in September Day. Check our website for dates and locations. There are ways everyone can help out!