Rebuilding Together Sacramento started as “Christmas in April” in 1991 when it joined the growing national network of affiliates. A diverse group of county officials, building contractors and material suppliers joined for the inaugural pilot project, led by Bob and Nancy Tate. On a sunny Saturday in April, 1991 volunteers repaired the home of a woman who was elderly and disabled. Over 70 volunteers re-roofed, painted, corrected faulty electrical wiring, rebuilt her fence and cleaned her yard.

The event was the beginning of a unique and growing movement to improve the living conditions of Sacramento area homeowners through home repairs performed by volunteers.

Christmas in April adopts a new name

Christmas in April’s sole program was the annual April Rebuild Day until 2001 when the name was changed to Rebuilding Together. The new name reflected a year-round approach to home repairs and modifications.

The services expand to meet needs

The Safe at Home program also started in 2001 to improve serve low-income homeowners year-round. The program performs safety installations, such as grab bars and wheelchair ramps, to increase the homeowner’s independence and prevent home injuries.

Fall Rebuilding Dreams event is added

The Fall Rebuilding Dreams event was added in 2005 to further address the need for home repairs. Many new sponsors and volunteers joined the effort to reduce the number of substandard homes in the community.

Safe at Home services available to all income levels

The lack of home modification services in the region resulted in our Safe at Home fee-based services in 2006, available to those not eligible for the low-income program. The program expanded the number of safe homes, income to support our low-income services and broadened organizational visibility.

 Requests grow from neighboring counties

Our reputation grew leading a group of Yolo County representatives (TRIAD) to request our services in their community. In 2007, Yolo County residents were able to access our home modification services. St. Martin’s Church became the first Yolo County organization to participate in the Rebuilding Dreams event.

Rebuilding Together is more important than ever

2008 brought a heightened awareness of the need for affordable housing for low-income homeowners and the importance of our services. The threat of foreclosures, aging housing stock and high energy bills mobilized the organization to strengthen its efforts to create safe, healthy and efficient homes.

2009 brings expanded “green activities” that lower energy bills and expanded partnerships that strengthen our cost-effective services.

Stay tuned…. we’re on the move!