As people self-quarantine, employers implement work-from-home policies and states limit travel, the importance of the direct correlation between our health and the state of our home increases. Simply put, a home that is up to code, decluttered and free of mold, allergens and asthma triggers is a healthier living environment. It is also critical that a home is adapted for the needs of each resident. A home that is well-lit and has grab bars will reduce risk of injury for seniors and people with disabilities. At a time when our healthcare system is under extreme pressure, we owe it to each other to make sure our homes and the homes of neighbors are safe.
Some of our neighbors do not have a safe place to call home during these difficult times. As millions of people have lost income, they will have to ask themselves if they really have enough funds to fix the water heater that went out or if they can fix their furnace or repair the electrical after they put food on the table and buy needed medicine.
For our older neighbors, having a safe home will reduce hospital visits and delay having to move into assisted living. For children, it means they can focus on learning. For their parents, it means they can focus on finding a new job and not worry about losing their home. As a nonprofit organization, Rebuilding Together Thurston County solves many of those problems at no cost to the recipients. We provide critical home repairs so our most vulnerable neighbors have a safe and healthy place to call home. We are grateful we are able to serve our community.
Rebuilding Day was scheduled on May 2, 2020. Due to the ‘stay at home’ order, we were not able to proceed with the seven projects as scheduled. We are rescheduling Rebuilding Day for late August and early September when it is deemed safe to bring volunteers together. When that time comes, we will be sure it is safe for everyone.
Of course, volunteers, donors and contractors are important to us being able to complete critical repairs daily along with the seven bigger [Re]building Day projects coming up.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, community preparedness for COVID-19 should include older adults and people with disabilities, as well as the organizations that support them, to ensure their needs are met. At the national and local level, Rebuilding Together is monitoring the spread of COVID-19, taking precautions to protect high-risk individuals and families, and preparing for increased demand and new ways of delivering our services. We cannot let the threat of COVID-19 prevent seniors, low-income families with young children and people with disabilities from accessing emergency home repairs they need to stay safe in their home during these unprecedented times.
Rebuilding Together Thurston County has a vision of a safe and healthy home for every person. Please, join us to make this vision come true!