On Saturday, April 27th, Primera volunteers gathered in Park Forest, IL, embarking on a mission to transform the life of our new friend, Ms. B. As part of National Rebuilding Day, they undertook vital home repair projects on her house, which was one of several homes in the area to receive much-needed support and minor renovations. Some of our volunteers also lent a hand at her father’s house down the street!

Ms. B. has spent 22 years in her home, moving from Chicago in 1987 for peace, quiet, and a safe space for her family to visit. She even created a game room over the years for her three grandsons. Ms. B. has enjoyed a rich life in this home, and even though health conditions have made it harder for her to move around, she still lives her life to the fullest. She was selected through Rebuilding Together’s National Rebuilding Day’s application process. The repairs carried out by Primera were nothing short of critical, alleviating some of the stress from Ms. B. and creating a safer and more comfortable environment for her.

The event was organized by Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago (RTMC), an affiliate of Rebuilding Together—the nation’s largest volunteer organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing low-income houses and communities. Primera sponsored the home by providing both materials and labor for the much-needed repairs. Each year, during the celebratory National Rebuilding Day, over 3,500 volunteers across the city roll up their sleeves to make significant repairs in various low-income homes throughout the Chicago area. Remarkably, Primera has been a partner with Rebuilding Together for over a decade.

The improvements made on Ms. B.’s home were coordinated by Primera “house captains” Jill Deichmann and Bill Taylor, who spent weeks planning the logistics and projects. Bill, a project manager in our Utilities division, celebrates 25 years of supporting National Rebuilding Day, while Architectural Lead Jill boasts nearly 30 years with the organization. Jill, who also serves on the Board of Directors for RTMC, emphasizes, “Our volunteer efforts not only bring hope to the families, but also to the broader community. It’s a privilege to connect with people and be able to make their lives a little easier.” Here’s a glimpse of the impactful work accomplished by Primera’s dedicated volunteers:

• Fresh paint in the main living areas including living room, dining room, hallways, and bathroom
• Installation of new ceiling fans, blinds, closet light fixtures, and closet doors
• New dryer, toilets, and shower controls
• Fixing kitchen cabinet doors and sliding doors
• New toy shelving system for Ms. B.’s grandsons
• Landscaping and general cleaning
• New home safety items such as smoke detectors, CO₂ detectors, and fire extinguishers

Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago’s mission is to provide free home repairs to the less fortunate, disabled, elderly, and veterans. Since 1991, RTMC has repaired 1,900 homes and 285 community facilities, thanks to the tireless efforts of tens of thousands of volunteers. Their impact is sustainable and often acts as a catalyst for additional neighborhood improvements.

For additional information about Rebuilding Together Metro Chicago please visit: www.rebuildingtogether-chi.com.