Tim was elected president of the board in 2013 and has remained active as a supporter and driving force behind RTWC since. One of the things that Tim feels strongly about, is helping homeowners we help – low income families, elderly, persons with disabilities, and veterans. “I see RTWC as a safety net for homeowners in the community who for any number of reasons find themselves in a condition where essential repairs are needed in their homes. These repairs are associated with basic needs for accessibility, safety, and being able to stay warm and dry.”

When asked about why he decided to become involved at RTWC, he replied, “RTWC is an organization where I can use the skills I have acquired in my professional life to give back to the community where I live and have raised my family.”

Tim not only presides over the board at RTWC, but he has been a long time donor. He explains how important it is to donate. “The funds that are donated to RTWC are essential for the survival of our organization. RTWC has kept their overhead to the bare minimum. We have one full-time and one part-time employee and a small office located in Beaverton. Because of this we are able to use donations where they help the most, the people in need in our community.”

While overhead costs are low, sometimes the projects we take on can by costly. Tim explains that a recent project done by RTWC is illustrative of the benefit that our organization provides to the homeowner and to the community. A woman living in a mobile home in the western part of the County had an old failing roof that created problems with the ceiling below. Without the funds to hire a contractor, she sought help from RTWC. The work needed was extensive: stripping the roof covering; replacing some rotted roof sheeting; re-roofing the home; removing the ceiling sheet-rock below; repairing sagging ceiling joints; re-insulating the attic and replacing the ceiling sheet-rock. RTWC volunteers with the guidance of our project manager, will finish this project in the next week and provide a warm and dry place for a person who was on the verge of needing to walk away from the home and forced to look for shelter and assistance from our public agencies. This is the kind of work that we do but we can’t do it without the contributions from citizens and businesses who are willing to reach out to their neighbors in need.

Tim sums up our mission and need by adding that “RTWC, without cost to the homeowner, is their resource to reclaim some of  the lost basic comforts that many of us take for granted.”

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The primary focus of Rebuilding Together Washington County is to keep Washington County homeowners safe. When it comes to home repair, this can mean a number of modifications and enhancements ranging from installing smoke detectors to removing tripping hazards to fixing doors to building ramps. For a homeowner in Beaverton, Ms. V, repairs meant that she could live at home instead of in a care facility.

Ms. V is an is elderly woman with a disability, who is living alone and has had many recent medical problems that make it impossible for her to live in her home until repairs were made. One of her family members contacted and coordinated with RTWC to make a number of safety modifications to Ms. V’s home. These repairs included installing many grab bars in the bathroom, building a handicapped accessible ramp on the front and back of her home, and replaced a window and screen.  These repairs allowed Ms. V. to move back home and will keeping her safe.

Ms. V noted that RTWC is a “very needed resource, especially for the elderly”.  Ms. V noted that she is now able to go in and out of her house independently and safely.  This is a phenomenon RTWC witnesses over and over again, by making a few small adjustments, we can change lives. Repairs such as installing grab bars and building wheelchair ramps keep elderly safe from falls, comfortable in their homes, and out of assisted care facilities.

The Center for Disease Control notes that there is an increasing trend in fatal falls in the elderly with 2.5 million falls treated in the emergency room each year.  Statistics from the National Center on Elder Abuse also notes that the elderly population is increasing.  In 2013, people over the age of 65 comprised 13% of the population.  By 2050, this will increase to 20% or 1 in 5 people.

As the elderly population increases, more services will be needed including making home repairs that ensure safety.  Rebuilding Together Washington County is committed to keep all homeowners, safe, warm, and independent in their homes.  Staying safe at home is a community effort. We cannot do it without our community. Our neighbors, advocates, volunteers, and donors make it possible for us to continue to make repairs. Their support and commitment is making all the difference for Ms. V, and the lives of many Washington County homeowners.

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