Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade Announces “Kickoff To Rebuild” in Coconut Grove

On Thursday, December 3, Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade held a press conference in the historic Coconut Grove community to announce “Kickoff to Rebuild”, an NFL-sanctioned event hosted annually by Rebuilding Together in the Super Bowl host city.

Local dignitaries, sporting celebrities and major sponsor Choice Hotels gathered to announce “Kickoff to Rebuild” event that will take place on Feb. 4, 2010 in Coconut Grove. City of Miami Mayor Thomas Regalado, Commissioner Carlos A. Gimenez, former Miami Dolphin and Hall-of-Fame player Dwight Stephenson, former NFL placekicker Bill Gramatica and others teamed up to make it known in the community that “Kickoff to Rebuild” has been preserving affordable homeownership and revitalizing neighborhoods for 15 years.

Kickoff to Rebuild will include a community clean-up and the revitalization of five homes in the Coconut Grove neighborhood. To date, Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade has rehabilitated more than 70 homes. After the work day, volunteers and community members will enjoy a block-party style celebration for their hard work and dedication to rebuild.

PHOTO: Wesley Truesdell (center with blue shirt), a disabled Army veteran of WWII and Coconut Grove resident of 46 years ago, was chosen for Kickoff to Rebuild because he was ripped off by a contractor who took money, but never completed the work, leaving the home in code violation. Truesdell stands with members of his family in front of his home.

To become a volunteer or sponsor for Kickoff to Rebuild, please visit www.rebuildingtogthermiami.org.

Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade chapter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that preserves homeownership and revitalizes neighborhoods by providing free of charge rehabilitation services to the elderly, veterans, disabled and low income homeowners. The organization is part of a network of more than 204 affiliates and is the nation’s leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities. For more information, visit www.rebuildingtogethermiami.org.

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Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade is a client of Thorp and Company

Client Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade & UM Volunteers Provide Home Repairs to Coconut Grove Family

On Saturday, August 29, Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade, and more than 25 student volunteers from the University of Miami, and volunteers from the Community Improvement Organization Inc. worked together to provide home repairs for a needy disabled family in Coconut Grove.

Tyrone Borden, a retired employee from the City of Coral Gables, is currently on kidney dialysis. His wife, Patricia, retired after suffering from a heart attack and diabetes and is also on dialysis. The couple’s daughter also lives in the residence and suffers from a kidney disease.

Due to their disability, the Bordens have been unable to keep up with maintenance on their home. They were facing fines from the city for not being compliant with code enforcement due to chipped paint on their home and also needed a new toilet and handicap bars so they are able to maneuver around their bathroom.

The volunteers spent several hours repainting the entire exterior of the home, installing handicap bars, landscaping and making other minor home repairs.

Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade chapter is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation that preserves homeownership and revitalizes neighborhoods by providing free of charge rehabilitation services to the elderly, veterans, disabled and low income homeowners. The organization is part of a network of more than 204 affiliates and is the nation’s leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership and revitalize communities. For more information, visit www.rebuildingtogethermiami.org.


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Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade is a client of Thorp & Company