Recent
Projects
Veteran project with the help of Scott Air Force Base, and Gateway Family Church
February 26th, 2023
Bringing a Veteran's Home Up to Code
February 21st, 2023
Difficult Project With A Happy Ending
February 19th, 2023
Help from Home Depot to complete deck steps and railing project
February 14th, 2023
Site Visits & Emergency Projects
February 9th, 2023
2021
Projects
2021 In Review
December 31st, 2021
I just wanted to take a minute to thank everyone for an awesome 2021. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, Rebuilding Together Southwest IL still managed to complete 36 different projects in 14 different cities in Madison County. Whether it’s installing hand railing for a senior to safely get in and out of their home (last project completed on New Year’s Eve) or replacing a rotten bathroom floor, we’re here to help.
Wheelchair Ramp for Veteran & His 101 Year Old Mother
November 13th, 2021
It’s fitting that the weekend after Veteran’s Day we built this wheelchair ramp for a veteran and his 101 year old mother. He is thrilled with the project. Thanks to Luke for your help today.
Yard Cleanup and Deck Replacement cont.
October 16th, 2021
We were back today at the house that we cleaned up the yard a week or so ago. Now that we could see the rotten deck boards, we started replacing them. The problem that we ran into was that the infrastructure was rotten too, so we ended up rebuilding it in spots also. We tore out some old steps and rebuilt them today also. The homeowner is so happy.
Emergency Water Heater Replacement
October 15th, 2021
We did an emergency repair this morning…a disabled senior had a hot water heater that was leaking all over her basement. This all too often leads to mold growing in the home; so we fixed this for her.
Yard Cleanup and Deck Replacement
October 9th, 2021
With the help of the Alpha XI Delta Sorority of SIUE, we got the first part of this project done this morning. Now we can see and replace the unsafe, rotten deck boards. Let me tell you, these young ladies were INCREDIBLE. Check out the amazing work they did cleaning up a senior, disabled woman’s yard. Girl Power.
Huge Project for Local Veteran
October 8th, 2021
Here’s our latest big project with the AMAZING folks from Phillips 66. We received a call from the Veterans Assistance Commission of Madison County, asking if we could help a veteran with an issue he was having with his siding. We try very hard to help our veterans out as much as possible. Here’s some before, during and after pictures.
Labor Day Weekend Projects
September 7th, 2021
We did a few projects on Labor Day weekend…just finished them up this morning. The porch was falling apart to where the homeowner could not receive mail or go in and out the front door. Someone had kicked in the front door and the screen door was torn apart. So we rebuilt the front porch and steps, installed a new front door and locks and also installed a new screen door. These projects turned out great. Thanks to Charles for your help.
Renovations for Stroke Survivor
August 29th, 2021
We finished up a big project today. We built a wheelchair ramp, replaced rotten decking, tore down a swing set and cleaned up the yard. The homeowner recently had a stroke and is confined to a wheelchair. We partnered again with Edwardsville Neighbors in Need and the amazing soldiers at Scott Air Force Base, 375th Civil Engineer Squadron to get this project done. Also, many, many thanks to Larry who was always the first one there and last one to leave – we could not have done these projects without your help.
Home Repairs In Alton, IL
August 12th, 2021
We partnered with the great folks at Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery to do a lot of work in Alton. They installed a new toilet, screen door, 2 ceiling fans, garbage disposal; painted the living room, hallway and bathroom walls and ceilings; tore down and rebuilt a fence and gate; and trimmed the bushes and brush on the property. Amazing amount of work was done by an amazing bunch of folks.
“Our employees rose to the challenge – beating the summer heat to provide GOOD ENERGY to our community! We were pleased to work with Rebuilding Together Southwest Illinois to complete several home renovation projects for a local homeowner in need. We painted, trimmed, weeded, installed appliances, demoed and built a new fence, and more all in one day! We’re proud of our employees and their passion for making a difference in our community. #goodenergy #providingenergyimprovinglives”
-Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery
Fixed Hazardous Stairwell
August 7th, 2021
We helped out a single mother of three with a dangerous situation in her stairwell. We replaced the handrails and installing new banisters, balusters and railings. It turned out nice…Thanks to Rich for your help.
Replaced Lock & Demolished Shed
August 1st, 2021
Ever have one of those days? We started out working on a small project that turned into a bigger project, but the senior homeowner was absolutely thrilled with the result. We installed a new lock set and reinforced a door frame and we ended up tearing down a shed.
Home Repairs For Local Senior Homeowner
July 31st, 2021
It was a busy day today. We had a professional plumber fix a sewage and other water pipe leaks, painted a kitchen, installed a new drop ceiling, installed a new pantry door, installed a new screen door and installed a hand rail for the porch. The senior homeowner was ecstatic with the results.
Wheelchair Ramp
July 26th, 2021
We had some folks come out from Scott Air Force Base to help us build a wheelchair ramp this weekend. It was HOT, let me tell you. These soldiers worked incredibly hard and we made a huge difference to this wheelchair-bound homeowner. He is thrilled beyond description now that he can get in and out of his home safely. Thank you to Lindsey, Nick, Natalia, Anna, Stephane, and so many others. You guys are amazing.
Wheelchair Ramp for Vietnam Veteran
July 21st, 2021
So many people to thank…we just finished up a wheelchair ramp in Alton for a disabled Vietnam Veteran. This was a big job because we had to tear out bushes, remove existing cobblestone walkway and pour a sidewalk for him also. Plus, the unseasonably hot weather has slowed us down. Thanks to all who came out, sweated and helped. The homeowner was thrilled with the results.
New Bathroom Flooring
June 4th, 2021
We had a good start to the weekend…we tore out ceramic tile that was breaking and coming loose and installed new waterproof, vinyl flooring in a single mom’s bathroom today. Thanks to Lowe’s for the funding and thanks to Ricky for all of your hard work.
These quick projects make a world of difference to homeowners. A single mom’s kids were getting their feet pinched and cut by the porcelain tile breaking up, so we took care of that for her.
Safety Walls & Insulation
May 30th, 2021
It is fitting that we finished up a project for a disabled veteran today – Memorial Day weekend. We added insulation to her attic and built two wing walls for safety. She was worried that her grandkids were going to fall through the stairway opening, so we took care of that. Thanks to Lowe’s for the project funding and thank you again to Larry for all of his help.
Wheelchair Ramp in Collinsville, IL
May 24th, 2021
We finished up a wheelchair ramp today in Collinsville…it was a hot one. Thanks to Lowe’s who helped fund this project and special thanks to Anya Covington and her crew…you guys are awesome.
“Lowe’s support is integral in helping to drive the mission of Rebuilding Together forward. Through volunteer work and the donation of rebuilding tools and materials, they have served as a partner with us on our annual Building a Healthy Neighborhood since our inaugural event in 2011. Through Building a Healthy Neighborhood – and working with Rebuilding Together affiliates across the country – Lowe’s Heroes have served as revitalization partners in Denver, Philadelphia, Columbus, Nashville and St. Louis, helping create more prosperous communities and providing safer and healthier homes for residents.”
Power Washing A Porch
May 20th, 2021
We hate to hear of seniors being taken advantage of, so we had to step in and help. It’s not something that we normally do, but she is a previous homeowner who we have helped in the past. Someone was going to charge an 85 year old widow $1,500 to power wash and paint her front porch. Seriously? Stop taking advantage of our seniors. Here’s the pics after power washing, scraping and applying our first coat of paint (non-skid, of course).
“Thank you, Rebuilding Together Southwest Illinois, for helping our seniors! Bravo!”
- Main Street Community Center
Ramp and Soffits
May 1st, 2021
Here’s another project that we’ve been working on for Rebuilding Month. We got rained out on Saturday, but we made pretty good time on Sunday and Monday. The homeowner is 99 years young and still getting around pretty good (for her age).
Squirrels had gotten into the soffit of the homeowner’s house and was making a mess of things. I’m so thankful for the many neighbors and folks that came out from Scott Air Force Base to help out last week and today.
What I like about Rebuilding Together is you are able to meet the nicest folks. A bunch came out from Scott Air Force Base on Sunday to help out with a bunch of smaller projects around the house – cleaning up the brush, painting the windows, painting the shed, hanging a new porch light, building the ramp.
Bathroom Renovation
April 19th, 2021
During April – which is Rebuilding Month – we’ve been working on a bathroom project for a homeowner. The toilet was leaking, so we had to replace the subfloor and flooring, as well as install a new vanity, mirror, lights and a new tub surround. As you can see by the pictures, the wall behind the old tub surround was pretty bad shape, so we had to replace the drywall behind there before we could install the new tub surround. It was a big job that turned out really nice.
2022
Projects
Major Shower Remodel for local Senior Woman
March 6th, 2022
Thanks to the amazing support from Marillac Mission Fund, we were able to help a local senior make a much-needed modification to her tub/shower unit. The walk-in shower project came out wonderful and the Veteran’s family is ecstatic about the outcome.
Small Projects with a Big Impact
March 11th, 2022
We’ve been busy lately with a few smaller projects that make a world of difference to our senior homeowners. Just by replacing a broken toilet, a leaky faucet, installing grab bars, fixing broken windows all make a homeowners’ lives a little bit safer and better.
Wheelchair Ramp for Previously Homebound Local Resident
March 12th, 2022
It was a cold one, let me tell you. But we got this wheelchair ramp finished today. Thanks again to the sponsorship of Agency for Community Transit and the amazing volunteers we had. Thanks Andy, Danny, Sam and Karl for your hard work. The homeowner has not been out of her home for two years except for doctors’ appointments. She was thrilled with the result.
"Handyman" Jobs for the Community
March 17th, 2022
The past week or so has been really busy for us. In addition to a wheelchair ramp that we built, we’ve been taking care of a few smaller “handyman” type projects. We replaced two broken windows for a local veteran, installed a handrail for a senior and replaced a faucet for another senior. We also installed a kitchen faucet for a local church that reached out to us for help
Wheelchair Ramp for Recent Amputee
March 29th, 2022
We built another wheelchair ramp for a senior who had to have her leg amputated. With a lot of help, we were able to get this done before they released her from the rehab facility. Thanks to Kevin, Carolyn, Andy and Anya Covington for your help. And, again, much thanks to the Agency for Community Transit for your partnership.
Repaved Sidewalk/Ramp for Senior Veteran
May 1st, 2022
We just finished up another wheelchair ramp thanks to Aplin Concrete & Seal Coating, LLC. These existing sidewalks were a mess…broken up, too narrow and really uneven. We took them all out and replaced them with brand new sidewalks with no steps up to the patio. This one was for a senior Veteran…thanks for your service. Continued thanks for the Agency for Community Transit for their support.
Scott Airforce Base Assists With Wheelchair Ramp Build
May 4th & 5th, 2022
After several rain and delivery delays, we finished up this ramp today. It turned out great and the homeowner is thrilled. Thanks to the soldiers at Scott Air Force Base and for Buddy for your help on this project. And thanks to the Agency for Community Transit for your generous support.
Wheelchair ramp, part 2. With her new wheelchair ramp installed [outside] the homeowner now has a way to get onto her enclosed porch, but there was a big step from her porch to inside her home. So, we took out the bird cage and built another ramp from the porch to the home. It turned out very nice.
Small Ramp Project for Wheelchair Bound Resident
May 19th, 2022
We finished up this small ramp project before the rain and hail came. We are going to go back and pour a new sidewalk when we can, but the homeowner is very happy being able to safely get in and out of his home.
New Sidewalk & Wheelchair Ramp Project
May 21st - June 14th, 2022
We started this at the end of May, got rained out, got COVID’d out (if that’s a word), and we finally finished it up.
You can see in the ‘before’ pictures that they homeowner’s had to put cardboard down in the yard to keep from going through the rain puddles and the existing ramp was falling apart.
Thank you to the folks at Scott Air Force Base and Danny Gregor for all of your help.
Maintenance to an Old Project on Memorial Day
May 30th, 2022
Much thanks to Nancy Anderson, who volunteered to scrape and paint the railings of a wheelchair ramp that we built many years ago. The homeowner’s son was also there to help out. Our volunteers are the best! Happy Memorial Day.
Wheelchair Ramp for Local Army Veteran
June 17th, 2022
We just finished up this wheelchair ramp for an Army Veteran. We had to expand the sidewalk so that the ramp could rest on concrete.
Thanks to the Agency for Community Transit for your partnership in helping provide these home modifications for our Madison County residents. And thanks Ronnie for your help.
Rotting Roof Patch Job
June 18th, 2022
We got a bid for a roof patch job because we couldn’t get to the job in a timely manner. The bid was $4,350.00 from a reputable roofing company. I’m all for folks making money, but that was a little ridiculous.
It cost us $163.32 in materials to tear out the rotten wood and replacing it, install new flashing, drip edge, felt paper, shingles, soffit and fascia. Next step is to tear out, patch and finish the damaged drywall.
New Wheelchair Ramp built with help from Scott Air Force Base
July 18th, 2022
We finished up this wheelchair ramp for a local Veteran today. Thanks to the awesome guys from Scott Air Force Base for your help. It turned out great and the homeowner loves it. Thanks again to the Agency for Community Transit for their partnership.
Our 10th Wheelchair Ramp!
June 21st, 2022
We just finished up our tenth (10th) wheelchair ramp project this afternoon. Thanks to Al and Leo for their help and especially to the Agency for Community Transit (ACT) for their continued support.
Plaster Ceiling Replacement
June 22nd, 2022
A senior homeowner came to us because her old plaster ceilings in the bedrooms were falling down. We knew we had to help her out. Thanks to the Marillac Mission Fund for helping us make these critical home repairs.
“Great job. God bless your team for all you do.”
"L-Shaped" Wheelchair Ramp in Alton, IL
July 28th, 2022
We finished up a big wheelchair ramp project this morning in Alton.This was a challenging ramp project due to the steps, making an “L” shape around the house and also the elevation of the ground.
Many thanks to the Agency for Community Transit for their continued support and for Henry for helping out. The homeowners are thrilled with the result.
Deck Rebuild Project
July 29th - August 4th, 2022
It didn’t take too long to tear down this old deck…it was getting ready to fall down itself due to decay.
Here’s the pictures from the deck project that we just finished up. Thanks to Ross, Mike, Travis, Rob and Pee Wee for all of your help. We couldn’t have done it without you guys.
“Your group does such great work in the community.”
Quick Transition Threshold Removal
August 3rd, 2022
When you get a call from a 101-year-old homeowner (we helped out a couple of years ago), who needed help getting into her bathroom, you stop what you’re doing and help her. Her caretaker asked if we could help remove the transition threshold into her bathroom so that she could get into the bathroom easier. Of course, we said yes.
“Always helping make life better and people happy.”
Small Projects with a Big Impact
August 9th, 2022
New Wheelchair Ramp with help from FGM Architects
August 14th, 2022
Desperately Needed Home Improvements Completed
August 18th, 2022
New Sidewalk and Small Ramp with the help of local Soldiers
August 20th, 2022
New Wheelchair Ramp with the Help of Wood River Refinery
August 25th & 27th, 2022
HUGE project of Home Repairs with the help of Olin Winchester
September 14th, 2022
Back Patio Replacement with "Skidsteer Hauling & Outdoor Service"
September 15th, 2022
Screen/Storm door installation and paint cleanup
September 15th, 2022
modular aluminum wheelchair ramp
September 15th, 2022
Threshold safety measures taken for disabled homeowner
September 15th, 2022
Large Wheelchair ramp for local homeowner and stroke survivor
September 28th, 2022
Portable Aluminum Ramp for 91 year-old veteran
September 30th, 2022
New aluminum modular ramp for homeowner recovering from COVID
October 2nd, 2022
Big Project in Edwardsville: water damage repair and regular home maintenance
November 29th, 2022
Our 20th Wheelchair ramp this year!
December 7th, 2022
Another Modular Wheelchair Ramp with the help from the Agency for Community Transit
December 9th, 2022
Deck Rebuild for Local Veteran with help from Gateway Family Church
December 10th, 2022
Our Last Big project of 2022!
December 17th, 2022
To Stay Up to date on all our projects and upcoming events, follow our Facebook Page!
National Rebuilding Day has been postponed due to COVID-19.
Please check back for more information.
The repair work that was scheduled for the National Rebuilding Day has been postponed due to the COVID-19 that is sweeping across the Nation. When we reschedule, if you’d like to help out in any way, please call 618.960.2440 or email: help@rebuildswi.org to volunteer.
Rebuilding Together Southwest Illinois preserves homeownership for in need families, especially seniors, disabled, and veterans by making essential repairs and modifications at no cost. But none of that is possible without YOU. We need your help with various projects throughout the year. For example, on the last Saturday in April, volunteers commit one 8-hour day to make life-changing repairs for a joyous homeowner at our National Rebuilding Day. Due to the incredible ongoing need in our community, National Rebuilding Day is now spread out throughout the year.
And if hammers and paint aren’t your passion, we are also always looking for talented, enthusiastic people to help further the mission of the organization through project planning, social media support, administrative support, fundraising along with many other needs.
Please contact us at 618.960.2440 or email: help@rebuildswi.org if you have any questions.
