Rebuild Upstate awarded $52,000 by Greenville Women Giving

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Rebuild Upstate was awarded $52,000 Tuesday by Greenville Women Giving which will provide critical home repairs for 49 more homes in the community.

The non-profit agency specializes in home repairs and accessibility improvements. Home repairs can range from small plumbing fixes to roof and floor replacements. Accessibility improvements range from installing grab bars and railings for vulnerable populations to building wheel chair ramps for those with disabilities. Typically Rebuild Upstate partners fall into one of three segments: low-income families with children in the home, seniors age 60 and older, and people with disabilities.

This is the first time the agency has been awarded a Greenville Women Giving Grant, said Chris Manley, the agency’s executive director.

This funding will increase the homes served in 2017 by 40 percent bringing the total number of homes repaired to 125. In addition, funds will be used for an AmeriCorps member to assist with home owner education. Some of the information provided is financial and community service information such as medical and mental health care, dental care, employment, food and transportation. A request for a repair often leads to multiple needs which Rebuild Upstate can resolve.

“There is an extreme need for affordable housing in Greenville. Thousands of people live in unsafe, substandard housing,” he said. “Rehabilitation keeps these homes from decline. This prevents homelessness and further demand on the need for affordable rental housing. Unrepaired homes contribute to the destruction of stable neighborhoods and their support systems.”

Manley said the demand for Rebuild Upstate’s services outweigh its current capacity to assist people. The current waiting list is 750 potential families.
“Greenville Women Giving is allowing us do more to help families and protects neighborhoods in our community with this grant,” Manley said. “This gift will impact people’s live not only now, but for years to come.”

About Greenville Women Giving:
Greenville Women Giving is a philanthropic organization founded on the idea that collectively, women can make a real difference. Membership is open to any woman who commits to donate $1,000 per year for three years to the collective fund. Learn more at www.greenvillewomengiving.org.

About Rebuild Upstate:
Rebuild Upstate is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Upstate South Carolina low-income homeowners with home repairs and accessibility improvements to create safe, livable housing in existing homes and neighborhoods. Learn more at www.rebuildupstate.org.