The wintertime is a tough time for our neighbors in need. A broken window or the lack of a working furnace can significantly impact the quality of life for low-income families and individuals during the winter.
To help address this need, volunteers and contractors complete many types of repairs to help low-income homeowners during the wintertime. Our volunteers insulate homes by caulking and applying weather stripping to doors and windows, putting foam insulating pads on switch and plug covers, completing plastic window sheeting, and installing water pipe insulation. They also replace hot water heaters, fix broken windows, and more. Finally, we hire local contractors to repair or replace heating systems in clients’ homes. Each year, volunteers and contractors complete about 40 to 50 of these wintertime repairs in Alexandria.
“These repairs help our clients in many ways,” said Haig Paul, our director of programs. “The clients save money, they are healthy and comfortable in their homes, they aren’t shivering from the cold temperatures, and they have peace of mind knowing that they don’t have a hole in their window, for example.”
Harold M. is one such homeowner. Harold grew up in a small town in Illinois. He served in the Army during the Vietnam War, and then lived and worked in Boston for over 30 years. He has been living in Alexandria with his wife for the past 13 years.
Harold and his wife had no heating or air conditioning in their Alexandria home, and during the wintertime they were cold and very uncomfortable. They had to use floor heaters as a temporary solution. Repairs to their heating system would normally cost about six or seven thousand dollars. After they completed our application form, local contractors fixed their heating system, free of charge to them.
“Your contractors did fantastic work,” said Harold. “They were professional, pleasant, and respectful. They were just fantastic. And once they finished, everything worked perfectly. Ever since they left, we haven’t had any problems. We couldn’t be happier.”
Rebuilding Together DC • Alexandria is an award-winning, mission-driven organization that creates healthy neighborhoods for residents by maintaining housing for low-income homeowners, revitalizing community spaces, and creating homeownership opportunities. We are now accepting applications from Alexandria homeowners for free home repairs. Visit www.RebuildingTogetherDCA.org or call 703-836-1021.